2012 Château Saint-Pierre
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2012 Saint-Pierre has quite an intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, sandalwood and rose petal notes. This opens nicely in the glass though there is a lot of oak, which is just a little concerning after ten years. The palate is medium-bodied with lighter tannins than expected, balanced, although it is missing some depth and grip on the finish. Satisfying, but not particularly memorable. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Savoury and evolved nose. Polished tannins with a suggestion of oak and sweetness on the palate. Easy-peasy, user-friendly. (JR)
Sculpted smoky aromatics, love the carved out tannins and black fruits. This is a delicious 2012 that is full of plentiful berry fruits, blackcurrant and sloe, with an unfussy feel of hedgerow brambled freshness. The tannins have heft and give, and there is a sense of precision but also of expansion through the palate, great stuff. Ready to drink but only at the beginning of its drinking window. 60% new oak, 38hl/h yield.
Tasted blind. Sweet, lightly toasty nose. Rather at odds with the slightly austere fruit on the palate. A green note on the end. A bit gawky. (JR)
About the producer
Henri Martin – the ex-cooper that created Ch. Gloria in the 1940s – purchased this Fourth Growth Saint-Julien estate in 1981. Today it is managed by Martin’s granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Vanessa and Jean Triaud.