Chateau Saint Pierre   Saint Pierre

2005 Saint-Pierre

By Chateau Saint-Pierre

2005 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France

Unearthing a bottle of the illustrious 2005 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre, nestled within the heart of St-Julien, is akin to discovering a rare jewel in the Bordeaux firmament. This vintage, hailing from a year lauded for Bordeaux's exceptional growing season, manifests the promise of this storied terroir.

 

An Investment-Worthy Vintage

The 2005 growing season in Bordeaux, marked by an optimal blend of warmth and dryness only ruthlessly interrupted by a brief mid-September shower, set up the vines at Chateau Saint-Pierre for near-perfect ripening conditions. The result was compact, richly coloured berries that found their way into barrels and birthed a wine that has long since caught the discerning eye of investors and connoisseurs alike.

At two decades old, the 2005 Saint-Pierre reveals its prowess: a majestic presence encased within a robe of deep garnet. Its substantial structure - a testament to meticulous vinification and ageing processes - continues to balance power with grace. Insinuating nuances of blackcurrant cordial mingle with evocations of cigar box and worn leather; it is an unmistakable symphony of a truly harmonious claret.

With each opening, the 2005 vintage asserts its longevity; displaying fresher characteristics than one might anticipate from a wine of its age. The unprecedented harmony between its muscular tannins and lively acidity speaks volumes about the storied capabilities of Chateau Saint-Pierre's vineyards in such remarkable vintages.

 

A Quintessential St-Julien Investment

The narrative of 2005 Saint-Pierre culminates not just in its sensory delights but also in its investment merits – it represents an enduring monument within private cellars and investment portfolios alike, promising returns both hedonistic and financial.

For collectors seeking to bolster their holdings with age-worthy Bordeaux or for those aspiring to delve into the sanctuary of fine wines, this 2005 vintage stands as a cardinal point among St-Julien’s offerings. Within its complex layers lies not only a robust history but also an unflagging potential for advancement with each continued year of cellaring. Its composition remains lucid and enthralling; an accomplishment that envisages further accolades as it marches through its third decade.

Market price (GBP)

£570.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

43.85

Scores and tasting notes

93

Smart consumers should be checking out this estate whose wines have been superb over recent vintages. Under the same ownership as Gloria, it is a classic St.-Julien with sensational concentration and intensity, but more powerful, thick, and muscular than wines such as Ducru Beaucaillou or Beychevelle. The 2005 possesses the vintage's structured, tannic mouthfeel as well as enormous concentration and massive extract. It exhibits plenty of earthy creme de cassis intermixed with notes of forest floor, licorice, and roasted meats. Backward with huge tannin, full body, and the potential for 3-4 decades of aging, this superb St.-Julien will get even better over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176

91

Tasted single blind at Southwold. The nose on this St. Pierre is incongruous compared to other Saint Julien wines with hints of burnt honey scents, plum and stewed apricots. Moderate definition. Ripe saturated palate, full-bodied, very toasty and upfront. Reminds me of Leoville Poyferre? Lush and ravishing but lacking a little restraint. Hedonistic and fun. Drink 2010-2020. Tasted January 2009.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009

Vintage performance