Chateau Saint-Pierre 2023 - 375 mL Half Bottle -
(Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France) - [JS 96] [WS 95 & #5 Top 100 for '26] [TWP 95] [JD 94] [VM 93] [WCI 93] [WA 92-94]

About the Winery:
Château Saint-Pierre is the smallest Classified Growth in St Julien. It was ranked a Fourth Growth in 1855, but over the next century it was broken up into smaller and smaller parts. It was restored to its original holdings in 1982 by then-owner Henri Martin, proprietor of nearby Château Gloria. Today, his legacy lives on through his son-in-law Jean-Louis Triaud, and Jean-Louis’s own children.

About this Wine:
This 17-hectare estate is undergoing organic conversion and holds HVE-3 certification. Viticulture follows a bespoke mix of techniques picked up from organics and biodynamics, which Jean-Louis calls “our own system”.

There have been advances in the winery, too. Instead of pumping-over once in the morning and once in the afternoon, there are small pump-overs at hourly intervals, working around the clock. Amphorae are already a fixture of the cellar, and Jean-Louis hopes to reach a 50-50 balance between amphorae and the more traditional new French oak barriques.

Vineyard & Blend:
With vines averaging 50 years old, the final blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon,         17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.

Winemaking:
Traditional fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine aged 14 months in barrels for this wine, with 48% new barrels for 2023.

Tasting Profile & Food Pairings:
Blackcurrant and dark berry fruit mingle with violet, cedar, tobacco and mineral notes. Dense fruit, fine tannins and freshness give the wine depth and definition. Suggested pairings include roast lamb, grilled ribeye, venison, beef with mushrooms and aged hard cheeses. Decanting and further cellar time can help its youthful structure unfold.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points – James Suckling:
"A very deep, youthful nose packed with cassis, blue fruit and graphite. A touch of violets too. Ample and round, with medium to full body and precise tannins. Structured and refined, lasting almost a minute. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Drink from 2027.” – Zekun Shuai (Dec 2025)

95 Points & #5 Top 100 Wines of 2026 – Wine Spectator:
“The AOC’s typical forthright spine of graphite runs through this red, along with textbook flavors of black currant, blackberry and boysenberry paste that show intensity and definition. A cast iron accent lurks through the finish, which is well-stuffed, especially for the vintage. Rock-solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2028 through 2042. 6,300 cases made, 1,200 cases imported." - James Molesworth (Apr 2026)

95 Points - The Wine Palate:
"The 2023 Saint‑Pierre is deep garnet‑purple in color. A little shy to start off, it slowly unfurls to offer scents of Bing cherries, wild blueberries, and cassis, plus nuances of camphor, crushed rocks, and violets. The medium‑bodied palate has great tension and firm, fine‑grained tannins framing the intense, bright black and red berry flavors, finishing long and perfumed. Very pretty!" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Feb 2026)

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“Ripe black fruits, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and spicy wood all emerge from the 2023 Château Saint-Pierre, a smoking Saint-Julien that does everything right. Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot and aged in 50% new oak with the balance in second-fill barrels, it's rich and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a round, lush texture, sweet tannins, and tons of charm and character. It's always a great value and is going to drink brilliantly over the coming two decades. Drink 2026-2046.” (Mar 2026)

93 Points – Vinous Media:
“The 2023 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is impressive. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, menthol, chocolate, dried herbs and crème de cassis are dialed up to the maximum. This dark, explosive Saint-Julien hits all the right notes. There's gorgeous textural depth and density in this virile, imposing 2023.” – Neal Martin (Feb 2026)

93 Points – The Wine Cellar Insider:
“Medium-bodied, graceful, and energetic, the wine offers a strong touch of florality before you begin to enjoy its core of sweet, ripe, and fresh, red pit fruits, with accents of cocoa, espresso, and licorice. This is going to be delicious just a year or two after it's released. Drink from 2028-2045.” - Jeff Leve (Mar 2026)

92-94 Points – Wine Advocate:
“A strong effort, the 2023 Saint-Pierre unwinds in the glass with aromas of cassis, dark berries and incense, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with good mid-palate density, powdery tannins and lively acids, it's a classically proportioned Saint-Julien that will age with grace. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.” – William Kelley (Apr 2024)