At a glance

Producer

Château Saint-Pierre

Region

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$85-$140 USD

Tasting profile

Dense, dark cassis, black cherry, pencil lead, light cedar, violets, graphite and subtle vanilla-inflected oak; powerful yet balanced palate

Evolution: Tannins softening, secondary notes (tobacco, leather, forest floor) beginning to emerge

At peak: From 2028 onward, richness and complexity with resolved tannins, tertiary aromas, classic Saint-Julien elegance

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, medium-plus

Tannins

Firm, refined, still prominent

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5%-14% ABV

Aging potential

Outstanding; top Left Bank Bordeaux from a superb vintage, 30-40 year horizon

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2060

Optimal window

2025 to 2063

Current status

Approaching early maturity but capable of 30+ years cellaring

Current condition

Structured, energetic, still youthful but beginning to reveal secondary bouquet and greater integration

One of Bordeaux’s most ageworthy wines from a 2016 vintage widely considered outstanding for the Médoc. Grand Cru Classé pedigree, robust structure, and precision winemaking enable 30-40+ years of graceful cellaring. Drinking well now for those who appreciate structured, youthful Bordeaux; peak complexity expected 2028-2040.

Food pairing

Roast lamb with herbs, dry-aged ribeye, duck breast, wild game, mature Comté or aged Gruyère, mushroom ragoût, earthy lentil stews

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (2+ hours) — To soften tannins and open up youthful aromatics, especially in first 10-15 years after vintage

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Practices include some sustainable vineyard techniques: grass cover between rows, integrated pest management, reduction in synthetic chemicals; no systematic use of herbicides in recent years reported. Focus on biodiversity, manual harvest, careful water management.

Château Saint-Pierre takes steps towards sustainability (biodiversity, reduced herbicide), but is not certified organic, biodynamic, or HVE as of 2024. Energy use for production is standard; no major packaging innovations for carbon reduction reported. Transportation carbon cost should be considered for overseas markets. Overall, moderately sustainable for its class but below leading green Bordeaux estates.