2005 - Saint-Pierre, Saint-Julien

These were the years when Saint-Pierre began to live up to its potential. Ripe ruby in colour, with enticing aromatics of dark cinammon and turmeric spices, and heaps of liqourice, marmite, slate, crayon. This is still young, at the begining of its drinking window, extremely special with incredible depth and texture. Bursting out of the glass, will reward a little more patience, but the energy and sense of excitement is already evident. If you want to know what umami feels like, get hold of this wine. Harvest September 22 to October 5, 60% new oak.

Possibly one of two of the most concentrated St.-Juliens (Léoville Las Cases is the other), this 2005 shows wonderfully sweet tannin, a dense ruby/purple color, and lots of crème de cassis, licorice and spice. Full-bodied, opulent, and impressive, it is surprisingly soft, though it will certainly age nicely for 15-20+ years.

Good red-ruby color. Superripe aromas of plum, mocha and graphite. Silky-sweet, deep and broad, with terrific concentration of currant and licorice flavors complicated by leather, herbs and pepper. Finishes with thoroughly ripe, broad tannins and noteworthy length and power. Costanzo says this wine needs another six months in bottle to gain in nuance.

Very dark and with some development. Fireworks intensity on the nose – very dramatic. Very complete. Lovely opulence but not sweet. Very long, too. Really vibrates on the palate. Doesn’t last quite as long as I thought it might... I, and one other taster, were seduced by this one! (JR)