Chateau St Pierre 2006 and 2013 revisited.

The 2013 and 2006 Château Saint-Pierre wines are two exclusive offerings that showcase the youthful character of St. Julien Crus despite their age. With their deep, captivating ruby colour and tight garnet rim, these wines exemplify how well St. Julien can age. As noted by discerning BBR tasters, these classic St. Juliens are crafted for longevity, thanks to their massive structure and remarkable potential.

The 2013 vintage may initially present a woodier aroma, but this soon evolves to blend seamlessly with the dark fruit notes derived from the 65% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. This composition contributes a firm, currant-like fragrance and crisp, fresh acidity that invigorates the palate. As you savour the wine, the intense black jammy fruits become increasingly prominent, showcasing their sweetness and intensity. The concentrated blackberries envelop the palate, resulting in a focused and concentrated experience that culminates in a generous, perfectly balanced wine with ample power for its classification and vintage. While the finish is short by cru standard, the wine's dense core and persistent finish contribute to its elegance and subtle complexity.

The 2006 vintage of Château Saint-Pierre is regarded as one of the finest St. Juliens of its year and is considered a rare gem. It is a prized find with one of the smaller productions within this consistent appellation. This wine features notes of roasted herbs, coal, graphite, and extravagant crème de cassis, complemented by hints of liquorice and its deep opaque purple colour. It is powerful, rich, and deep, offering outstanding balance, purity, texture, and length. Compared to the 2013 vintage, the exceptional 2006 will remain viable for a long time.

Although the 2013 vintage may not appear particularly noteworthy, it offers remarkable value for its structure. This wine exceeds expectations with its potent body, robust tannins, and inviting texture. Some international critics have rated it highly, placing it in the 89-90 point range, while we rate it at DD91. Moreover, JS recently upgraded its score to 91, affirming its quality and exceptional value.

After 18 years in the bottle, the 2006 vintage exhibits even more "sexy" aromas and flavours of black and red currants, menthol, liquorice, and nutty oak, accentuated by a violet top note. The palate remains supple, classically dry, and exceptionally concentrated, with juicy acidity that enhances the flavours and extends the finish. A sound tannic structure should guarantee at least two more decades of development in the bottle for this sophisticated Saint-Julien. As it evolves, the 2006 Château Saint-Pierre reveals a ripe bouquet of blackberry, kirsch, cedar, and liquorice, signalling its approach to its optimal drinking window. The palate is sweet on entry, with liquorice-tinged black fruit complemented by slightly rustic tannins, concluding with a pleasantly spicy and peppery finish. Despite not possessing the precision of the 2013, the 2006 Saint-Pierre displays impressive depth.

What sets these 2013 and 2006 wines apart from other St. Julien crus is their affordability, making them attractive options for everyday enjoyment. They both capture the best characteristics of the Left Bank region, making them delightful choices for wine enthusiasts at all levels. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a casual drinker, these exceptional wines will enchant you with their complex flavours, perfect balance, and impressive depth.