2023 Saint-Pierre (St-Julien)

Enjoyable, well balanced, great inky depths of flavour, an enjoyable, sleek and confident St Julien, with an effortless finesse where you feel they aren`t trying too hard to impress, just harnessing the drinkability of the vintage with its black fruit and liquorice character. Give it a few years, then sink into the pleasure of this wine. 45hl/ha yield, third year of organic conversion. 95 points

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. 92-94 points

The 2023 Saint-Pierre contains no Cabernet Franc and it will not be blended into the Grand Vin henceforth. This has a bit more animation and vigor than the Gloria, precise and fresh with plenty of black fruit and a lovely graphite note underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins but there is clearly more concentration compared to the Gloria (this was actually done partly in the winery). A touch of soy towards the finish completes an attractive Saint-Pierre. 91-93 points