CHÂTEAU SAINT PIERRE

The 2003 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) has a backward nose, perhaps oddly less responsive compared to the 1983, with touches of blackcurrant pastilles and iodine. It lacks the amplitude of recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly cooked entry, brown spices, iron filings and meat juices, almost Rhône-like toward the finish, possibly with a bit of brett. Drink soon. Tasted at the château. Drinking range: 2023 - 2030 Rating: 86 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Aug 2023)

Soft ruby in colour, but this is holding its own at almost 20 years old, showing how this corridor along the Garonne river benefited during the heat of 2003. Not the same array of aromatics and flavours as the cooler years - here you'll find cinammon, burnt caramel, rose petal and caressing raspberry and fig fruits, along with finely spun tannins, less St Julien typicity but plenty of pleasure. Ready to drink, but no rush. 60% new oak, harvest September 16 to 22. Eric Boissenot consultant. Drinking range: 2022 - 2038 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (Feb 2022)

Beefy, masculine, vigorous, full-bodied wine, the 2003 Saint-Pierre is just beginning to hit full maturity. A lovely bouquet of cedarwood, forest floor, roasted herbs, black currants, new saddle leather and spice is followed by a long, well-made, beefy, rich, voluptuously textured wine with low acidity and ripe tannin. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. 2014-2022 Rating: 92 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Aug 2014)