Saint-Pierre - Saint-Julien 2005

Jane Anson

95 / 100

byJane Ansonthe2/3/2022

Generous from the first nose, another sign that the 2005s are starting to come around. Finely spun tannins, and at this point the tobacco of the older vintages becomes charred cedar, campfire smoke, cool ash. Confident but finely-framed tannins, with clear blackberry and bilberry fruit pulsing underneath. Silky in texture with a burst of minerality in the mid palate making your mouth water. This is gorgeous, ready to drink but no hurry, walking the tightrope of subdued power and gentle abandon. Saint Pierre was recognised to have really delivered a hit in the 2005 vintage, and it is now the epitome of finesse. Harvest September 22 to October 5, 60% new oak.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2015

Possibly one of two of the most concentrated St.-Juliens (Léoville Las Cases is the other), this 2005 shows wonderfully sweet tannin, a dense ruby/purple color, and lots of crème de cassis, licorice and spice. Full-bodied, opulent, and impressive, it is surprisingly soft, though it will certainly age nicely for 15-20+ years.

La Revue du Vin de France

16,5 / 20

the10/20/2014

Déjà ouvert, avec un nez franc et charmeur et un côté suave et crémeux. Aussi tendu que charnu, ce saint-julien de jolie constitution a un profil digeste et classique.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe6/13/2009

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 Léoville Poyferré? Lush and ravishing but lacking a little restraint. Hedonistic and fun. Drink 2010-2020. Tasted January 2009.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

92 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe6/30/2008

Good red-ruby color. Superripe aromas of plum, mocha and graphite. Silky-sweet, deep and broad, with terrific concentration of currant and licorice flavors complicated by leather, herbs and pepper. Finishes with thoroughly ripe, broad tannins and noteworthy length and power. Costanzo says this wine needs another six months in bottle to gain in nuance.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/7/2008

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.

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/22/2008

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/4/2007

Because of this estate’s small size, only tiny amounts are available in the marketplace, which is a shame as the wine has been superb in recent years. Under the same ownership as Chateau Gloria, the 2005 Saint-Pierre boasts dense creme de cassis aromas and flavors. This tannic, backward, almost primordial wine possesses fabulous fruit, high tannin, full body, and plenty of muscle as well as structure. Like many of the 2005 northern Medocs, it should only be purchased by patient connoisseurs. Give this impressive, classic St.-Julien 8-10 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/1/2006

A dense ruby/purple color along with superb black cherry, currant, forest floor, herb, and new saddle leather aromas, huge ripeness, massive structure, and tremendous concentration emerge from this broodingly backward, formidably muscular St.-Julien. It will require 6-8 years of cellaring, but should keep for 25-30. A top-notch effort, the 2005 may be the finest wine I have ever tasted from Saint-Pierre.

Wine Spectator

89-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/28/2006

Aromas of blackberries, tar and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fruity, ripe aftertaste. Balanced and attractive. —J.S.