A killer trilogy (2008, 2009 and 2010) has been produced by Saint-Pierre and the 2010 is unquestionably one of the all-time great wines this estate has yet made. A candidate for one of the top wines of this remarkable vintage, it offers a thunderball of fruit, extract, glycerin and intensity. Its black/purple color is accompanied by notes of melted licorice, camphor, blackberries, blueberries, creme de cassis and subtle background oak, amazing concentration, unbelievable opulence and intense, but sweet, well-integrated tannins. Moreover, because of lower pH’s and higher total acids across the board in 2010, and despite the high alcohols (this wine’s alcohol content must be 14.5+%), the overall impression is one of elegance, freshness and precision. This cuvee reminded me somewhat of a St.-Julien version of another of the superstars of the vintage, the 2010 Pichon Longueville Baron. The 2010 Saint-Pierre should drink well for 30-40 years.

Dark and winey, displaying a smoke-filled core of roasted plum, fig and anise, with plush tannins and a long finish, where the anise note hangs on nicely. Textbook St. Julien. Score range: 91-94 -JM

Dense, smoky rich fruit, succulent flavours over classic structure, fine freshness and strong tannins for the long term, probably the best ever from this rather discreet 4th Growth. Drink 2020-35.