2001 Saint-Pierre
By Chateau Saint-Pierre
2001 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The Millenium year was followed by an equally auspicious chapter in Bordeaux, particularly for the left bank’s robust offerings. The 2001 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre emerged as a sterling emblem of such fortunes, a compelling vintage that harnesses the quintessence of St-Julien’s noble terroir.
A Vintage Defined by Elegance and Structure
Bordering the Gironde estuary, St-Julien serves as hallowed ground for claret aficionados, offering up powerful yet refined reds. The 2001 Saint-Pierre is a testament to the prowess of its vintage; a cooler-than-average summer leading into a warm September resulted in a longer ripening period. This fortuitous climatic dance culminated in grapes that were both fully ripe and retaining excellent acidity—a dichotomy that unfolds exquisitely within each bottle from this esteemed estate.
Complexity Balancing Investment Worthiness
A tasting reveals that the 2001 Saint-Pierre suffuses the palate with a mélange of dark fruit buttressed by an earthy backbone—hints of blackcurrants, cedar, and tobacco—all ensconced in mature tannins that exude an understated confidence. With two decades since its harvest, this wine has reached an apogee of complexity and grace, attributes that inherently bolster its worthiness as a wine investment.
The epitome of grace under pressure, the 2001 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre clearly illustrates how St-Julien's stalwart viticultural practices and unique microclimate conspire to create vintages of sophistication and depth. For the fine wine investor, this particular vintage stands out for its regal poise and enthralling development potential.
Rest assured, a judicious allocation in one’s portfolio would not only endow it with regality but also promise further revelations as this storied bottle continues to evolve splendidly within the cellar's sanctum.
Market price (USD)
$640.00
12x75cl
Highest score
89
POP score
58.89
Scores and tasting notes
Ruggedly constructed, with a deep ruby/purple color, this big, rich St.-Julien offers notes of animal fur, black currants, spice box, licorice, and a notion of new oak in the background. Chewy, heady, and muscular, it is a well-made, substantial 2001 to consume between 2007-2015. If more finesse develops, it may merit an outstanding rating.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153
Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol. The Chateau St. Pierre '01 is quite tight on the nose, but good vigour and definition with dark cherry and raspberry, hints of rose petal with time. The palate is lively on the entry, good acidity and freshness here with crisp red berries, not a great deal of depth on the finish but nicely focused and vigorous. Tasted December 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2011