2017 Saint-Pierre
By Chateau Saint-Pierre
The 2017 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the venerable winemaking landscape of Bordeaux, Chateau Saint-Pierre's offerings are consistently lauded for their exceptional character and capability for long maturation. The 2017 vintage of Saint-Pierre upholds this esteemed lineage with verve, articulating the unique facets of its birth year in every sip.
A Testament to Resilience Amidst Adversity
2017 was not without its challenges; frost laid siege to much of Bordeaux, but the fortitude of St-Julien proved once more unwavering. It is in these very trials that the terroir’s resilience shines, carving depth and complexity into its yield. Producers like Chateau Saint-Pierre have harnessed this opportunity to craft wines that stand as a testament to both their adeptness and the enduring robustness of St-Julien terroir.
Investment Merit and Age-Worthiness
The 2017 Saint-Pierre encapsulates the finesse expected of a grand Bordeaux, yet presents an earlier window of accessibility compared to more austere vintages. For investors and collectors, this suggests potential for both short-term enjoyment and long-term appreciation. Its marriage of rich blackberry and cassis notes with impeccably integrated oak demonstrates a balance that presages graceful aging.
Structured tannins furnish the backbone needed for evolution in the cellar, suggesting the 2017 Saint-Pierre will unfold magnificently over time. The presence of fresh acidity imparts vivacity that maintains the wine's posture. This equilibrium is sublime - a hallmark feature meriting its consideration in any serious wine investment portfolio.
Indeed, when engaging with this vintage, one appreciates the delicate lacework of climate, soil, and human touch – all interwoven to produce a St-Julien offering with notable distinction.
To invest in the 2017 Saint-Pierre is not merely to acquire bottles; it is to invest in a narrative of resilience and refinement. Whilst I refrain from grandiose superlatives, it is clear that this particular harvest from Chateau Saint-Pierre has scribed a memorable chapter in the archive of Bordeaux vintages, marking itself as a vital inclusion for admirers and investors alike.
Market price (USD)
$420.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
24.29
Scores and tasting notes
One of the real gems of the vintage, the 2017 Saint-Pierre is powerful, deep and quite concentrated. Despite its obvious richness, the 2017 has more than enough supporting structure to back it up. Gravel, smoke, tobacco, leather, licorice and spice lead into the potent finish in a muscular, tannic Saint-Julien built for the cellar. This is an outrageously beautiful wine. Tasted three times.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
This is more layered and impressive than Gloria this year. Full and focused with structure and length.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Focused, showing red and black currant preserve flavors driving along, with a racy graphite streak. Fresh acidity keeps it all moving through the anise-tinged finish. Should be delightful when released.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
The 2017 Saint-Pierre came from a sample taken from a new barrel although the final blend will include half that amount. It was cropped at 46hl/ha from 18 September until around 3 October in a second wave of picking. It has quite an introverted bouquet with broody dark berry fruit, tobacco and graphite, almost Pauillac-like in style. It probably just needs to evolve a little more cohesion. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, slightly abrasive tannin but a fine line of acidity. There is firmness and density to this Saint-Pierre, weighty in the mouth but I find that it is missing some finesse towards the finish. Like the Gloria, it may well improve during its barrel maturation. A second sample encountered at the end of my tastings was even better and showed immense brightness and energy.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Saint-Pierre is a little reticent, giving glimpses at warm cassis, baked plums, tobacco and pencil shavings notes with a touch of forest floor. Medium-bodied with a muscular core of sustained black fruit, it has a grainy frame and plenty of freshness, finishing with impressive length. The blend is currently 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com