Castle Saint-Pierre - Saint-Julien 2011

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe8/31/2014

Good deep ruby. Aromas of blackberry, black tea, bitter chocolate and tobacco are somewhat dominated by the oak presently. Dense and very firmly built, with peppery acidity providing lift to the slightly high-toned black fruit syrup and spice flavors. The long, peppery, serious finish features dusty tannins and very good grip, but I wonder if this wine wasn't just a little too extracted in a vintage like 2011. Not exactly the last word in fruit intensity. (88(+?) points)

Wine Advocate

87 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/14/2014

87+
The dense, deep ruby/purple-colored 2011 Saint-Pierre is a more masculine wine in this light to mid-weight vintage. It reveals serious structure, tannin and meat, but whether or not it all comes together over the next 4-5 years is a legitimate question. With good purity and chewiness, it is a fuller, riper, bigger style, but it is not yet knit fully. There is plenty of potential, but only time will tell. Forget it for 3-4 years, and keep your fingers crossed.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/3/2014

Offers a good, sappy core of dark plum, blackberry and fig, layered with brambly tannins and smoldering charcoal accents. Mouthwatering acidity lends the finish cut and length, while the dark fruit plays out through the finish. Best from 2017 through 2026.

La Revue du Vin de France

16-16,5 / 20

the5/31/2012

Le cru a parfaitement géré l'extraction de la matière en donnant de la densité au vin, sans aucune rusticité. Ce 2011 est bien guidé par les cabernets (85%), dont la maturité est là. Très jolie expression tannique et finale aux notes de fruits juteux.

Le Point

16,5-17 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/17/2012

Fruits noirs, bouche soyeuse, joli fruit noir, tanins délicats, long, étiré, long, très fin, tendu. O= 2018 G= 15 ans

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88-91 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe5/12/2012

Medium-deep purple-ruby. Inexpressive nose hints at blackcurrant, flint and sweet pipe tobacco. Clean and fresh in the mouth, with sneaky concentration to the pure cassis and mineral flavors. Finishes with coffee and dark chocolate nuances and a hint of blueberry syrup. Impressive but youthfully brooding wine, in need of plenty of time to show all it's got.

TAST

17-17,5 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012

Magnifique densité de texture, à attribuer au vieil âge des vignes ensemble classique de l'appellation, mariant la finesse de fruit et la tenue de tanins épicés. Grande garde prévisible!

Wein Wisser

/ 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2012

Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Geniales Bouquet, dunkle Edelhölzer, Tabak, lakritze, schwarze Pfefferkörner und genügend Cassis. Fester Gaumen mit ausgeglischener Adstringenz, wieder diese tollen, intensiven Aromen von blaubeeriger Frucht und feiner Cabernet-Würze dokumentierend. Schlägt auch heuer wieder wesentlich teurere Werte. Kaufen! 2018-2044

Decanter.com

17 / 20

the4/30/2012

Very good floral but firm fruit-- a very good expression of Saint-Julien from a château that is on top form. Drink 2015-2025.

Wine Advocate

90-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012

This 2011 boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of creme de cassis, incense, lead pencil shavings and perhaps a hint of truffles. Medium to full-bodied with surprising density, impressive purity, decent acidity and serious length, this St.-Julien should easily last for two decades or more. While the 2011 Saint-Pierre will not make anyone forget the 2009 or 2010, it is an outstanding effort. Yields were somewhat higher than at other estates (42 hectoliters per hectare), and the final blend includes a whopping 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc that came in at 13% natural alcohol. Proprietor Jean-Louis Triaud has been on a qualitative tear with this estate as well as with his much larger property, Gloria.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012

The Saint Pierre is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. It has a wonderful bouquet that equals the 2009 and 2010 with superb delineation and focus, surfeit with exuberant red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with mineral rich raspberry and strawberry fruit struck through with graphite and tobacco. Very poised on the finish, this is a very impressive Saint Julien. Tasted April 2012

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-93 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2012

Espresso, caramel, vanilla, blackberry jam and earthy scents with deep color and a plush, fresh, sweet, soft and ripe black cherry finish are found in this wine. 92-93 Pts

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/18/2012

Drink 2018-2028
Inky core, dark cherry rim. Refined dark fruit and graphite nose. Moreish and fresh and alive on the palate, fully structured and still balanced by the juicy fruit in the middle. Just a bit dry on the finish. (JH)

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012

This has a nice briary frame, with a core of blackberry coulis, plum eau-de-vie and sweet tobacco. Solid, juicy finish.—J.M.

Wine Enthusiast

91-93 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/4/2012

Ripe and spicy, with delicious open fruit, this wine is rounded yet has a straight line of pure acidity. It has a light touch while showing depth of flavor for the future. —R.V