Château St.-Pierre St.-Julien 2023
- Score
- 95
- Price
- $50
- Cases Imported
- 1,200
The diverse 2022 and 2023 seasons resulted in polar opposite wine styles: richly fruited yet nicely delineated versions from 2022 and fresher, more savory-edged wines in 2023. This jewel-box estate earned a classic review in both years, a consistency likely due to its vineyard, whose vines boast an average age of 70 years; old vines self-regulate better through weather swings. Former Cos d’Estournel winemaker Rémi di Costanzo has been at the helm here since 2000. A new cuvérie in 2015 and a shift to organic farming practices in recent years have also helped. Purchased by Henri Martin in 1982, and still family owned today, including Henri’s daughter Françoise and her husband, Jean-Louis, this estate offers one of Bordeaux’s best, and perhaps most overlooked, ageworthy bottlings.
Tasting Note
The AOC’s typical forthright spine of graphite runs through this red, along with textbook flavors of black currant, blackberry and boysenberry paste that show intensity and definition. A cast iron accent lurks through the finish, which is well-stuffed, especially for the vintage. Rock-solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2028 through 2042. 6,300 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.—James Molesworth
- Region:
- Bordeaux, France
- Issue Date:
- April 30, 2026
