Château Saint-Pierre Saint Julien 2022

A posh, sophisticated St.-Julien that manages to maintain freshness, nuanced complexity and class in a hot year. In fact, this is one of the best Saint-Pierres. Layered and poised, with lots of minerals, dark berries and pencil shavings, followed by fresh, firm and polished tannins. The finish goes on for almost a minute. Really exciting, even for the 2022, when a lot of the wines from the left bank did really well. Drink from 2029.

Ripe and vivid, with plum, cassis and boysenberry notes spilling out. There's just enough singed apple wood and cast iron to keep this focused. Violet and anise accents chime in the background. A decidedly not-shy St.-Julien that captures this vintage profile nicely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.