The smallest of the Saint-Julien crus, Chateau Saint-Pierre was first established in the 17th century, although a number of legacies subsequently led to the property being split up and dispersed. In 1982, through a combination of good luck and tenacity, current proprietor Henri Martin, who owned neighboring Chateau Gloria, was able to put the estate back together the way it had been in 1855, the year of the famous classification.

Ever since, thanks to the investments made by the owners, Saint-Pierre has been acknowledged as a perfect representative of the Grands Crus Classes of the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation. The estate vineyards, located in the middle of the commune of Beychevelle. These, cover 17 hectares which are planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, on soils of Gunzian gravel over clay and sand, and an average vine age of 50 years.

The grapes for Saint-Pierre’s red wine are picked by hand and vinified in the traditional way in heat-regulated stainless steel vats. The wine then spends 14 to 16 months being aged in casks, half of which are replaced every year. The wine is typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Introducing the 2015 Chateau Saint Pierre St Julien, a remarkable Bordeaux Blend that hails from the prestigious St Julien region in France. This wine is a true gem, encapsulating the essence of the Bordeaux terroir and showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the renowned Chateau Saint Pierre.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep garnet-purple color, captivating the eye with its richness and intensity. On the nose, it offers an expressive bouquet of blackberries, black currants, and stewed black plums, accompanied by intriguing hints of menthol, rare beef, black olives, and tobacco. These complex aromas invite you to delve deeper into the glass, as each swirl reveals new layers of intrigue.

On the palate, the 2015 Chateau Saint Pierre St Julien is medium-bodied and impeccably structured, with ripe and grainy tannins that provide a firm backbone. The wine showcases a vibrant and muscular form, exuding a sense of energy and power. As it glides across the palate, it reveals a harmonious blend of flavors, including luscious dark fruits, damp earth, tobacco leaf, and lead pencil shavings. The mid-palate is colossal, building in intensity and leaving a lasting impression.

The critics have unanimously praised this vintage, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarding it an impressive 91 points. According to Lisa Perrotti-Brown, the wine finishes long and savory, exhibiting its potential for aging. Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, describes it as full-bodied, concentrated, and refined, with a sweet and ripe fruit core and lush textures on the palate.

Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, is particularly captivated by the 2015 Chateau Saint Pierre St Julien, comparing it to the excellent 2010 vintage. He notes the wine's chocolate-covered dark fruits, damp earth, tobacco leaf, and lead pencil shaving-like notes, and predicts a lifespan of 3-4 decades for this incredible beauty.

Wine Spectator also joins in the acclaim, awarding this wine a score of 93 points. They highlight the dark currant, blackberry, and boysenberry reduction notes, as well as the racy charcoal-edge spine that cuts through the wine.

James Suckling finds the aromas of currants, mushrooms, and dried flowers to be vivid and enticing. He describes the wine as full-bodied, layered, and polished, with a juicy and lightly decadent character. He recommends enjoying it from 2021 onwards.

Neal Martin, from Vinous, was thoroughly impressed by the 2015 Saint-Pierre, awarding it a staggering 95 points. He praises its scintillating nose of brilliantly defined black fruit and mineralité, as well as its precise and pixelated palate. Martin declares this wine to be an "utterly graceful" expression of the Saint-Julien terroir, with a finish that is reminiscent of a top Margaux wine.

As for its aging potential, Wine Enthusiast suggests waiting until 2025 to fully appreciate this wine's toasty style and integrated wood tannins. Decanter also recommends patience, but notes that the wine is already rich and round, with fleshy damson fruit and attractive bitter chocolate.

Jane Anson, from janeanson.com, provides a fascinating insight into the winemaking process of the 2015 vintage. She reveals that everything was new at Saint Pierre in 2015, from the renovated and expanded winery to the plot-by-plot vinification. With 50% new oak for aging and a carefully planned harvest, this vintage truly showcases the dedication and innovation of the Chateau Saint Pierre team.

Overall, the 2015 Chateau Saint Pierre St Julien is a wine that demands attention and admiration. It represents the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking, combining elegance, power, and complexity in perfect harmony. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is destined to leave a lasting impression on any wine lover fortunate enough to experience it.