2016 Chateau Saint-Pierre Saint-Julien [JD96][JS96][D95][V95][WA94][WS94]

Producer: Chateau Saint-Pierre 
Region: Saint Julien, Bordeaux, France  
Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc 
Year: 2016 

Jeb Dunnuck, 96 Points 

"Coming from 50-year-old vines and a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Château Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is in the same ballpark as the 2015 yet shows a slightly more elegant, classic feel, which is very much in the style of the vintage. Beautiful notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, crushed rocks, tobacco, and lead pencil shavings as well as some smoky notes with time in the glass all flow to a deep, full-bodied, concentrated Saint-Julien that has fine tannin, flawless balance and integration, no hard edges, and a great finish. This brilliant wine from winemaker Jean-Louis Triaud will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25-30 years." 

James Suckling, 96 Points 

"This is fantastic, offering lots of fresh tobacco and blackcurrants and undertones of hazelnuts and chocolate. Full-bodied with firm and chewy tannins, yet ever so polished and refined. One of the most structured St. Pierre’s in years. A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Try from 2024." 

Decanter, 95 Points 

"Highly coloured in the glass, with aromas of violets spiraling through. On the palate this is more bilberry and blueberry than tight cassis, with slate and bitter coffee ground notes. There's very little light peeking through the tannins at this stage, and again I get the architectural feel of a 2010. Monumental and extremely accomplished, this is easy to recommend, living up to its early promise. Matured in 50% new oak, with malo partly in barrel. Drinking window 2024 - 2040 " 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"The 2016 Saint-Pierre has an intriguing bouquet of baked black cherries, dark chocolate, espresso and gamy notes, the oak regime more prominent compared to its peers within this Saint-Julien flight. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, and the oak is more assimilated here than on the nose. Nicely detailed and very poised, although there is a touch of dryness right on the finish." 

Wine Advocate, 94 Points 

"Aged for 14 months in 50% new and 50% one-year-old French oak and blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Saint-Pierre leaps from the glass with exuberant Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and cassis with hints of cigars, earth and violets with a waft of iron ore. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm frame of grainy tannins with fantastic energy and depth, finishing on a lingering chocolaty note." 

Wine Spectator, 94 Points 

"This is packed, with a ganache frame wrapping up a dense core of blueberry, black currant, fig and açaí berry reduction flavors that will need time to stretch out. While they do, they'll meld with the warm tar and sweet tobacco notes that line the fruit in spades. In the end, there's a plushness here that is distinct from St.-Julien's typically brambly grip. Best from 2025 through 2040." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.