2010 - Saint-Pierre, Saint-Julien

Deep plum colour, oyster shell salinity on the first nose, a classic signature of 2010 that is quickly followed up by bitter black chocolate and tight liquorice root. Great quality, just a stunning sleek damson and cassis-filled wine but these bristling tannins remain very much in control right now, and I suggest giving it a good few more years before the excellence is truly released. No question in my mind that it is going to storm into the top of St Julien when fully in its drinking window. 50% new oak, 44hl/h yield.

The 2010 Saint-Pierre is deep garnet in color. It flies out with open-knit, mature scents of cigar box, cast-iron pan, and dusty soil over a core of Christmas cake, figs, and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with evolved, muscular fruits, supported by firm, chewy tannins and lively acidity, finishing long and mineral-laced.

Two bottles of the 2010 Saint-Pierre were poured, the first just slightly oxidised. The bouquet is comparatively light with blackberry and raspberry aromas, never really quite taking off from the glass like others. The palate is better, much better, with plenty of mineral-rich black fruit, a superb line of acidity and wonderful precision on the finish. I suspect that the fact that we could not decant the second substitute bottle contributed to the slightly subdued aromatics, but I think there is real class here. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.