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.

[81CS/15M/4CF] Fragrant blackcurrant nose; rich and elegant with a fine tannin, present but gentle and nothing too firm at all; lovely sweetness of Cabernet-cassis fruit, a fine density, nice length across the palate, followed by excellent fruit persistence. Real class, a first rate St Pierre. 2020-35 [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 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.

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

Shows aromas and flavors of blueberries and minerals. Medium to full body, with polished tannins and a minerally aftertaste. Reminds me of the 2004.

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.

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.

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)