2021, Château Saint Pierre, SAINT-JULIEN, 4ème Grand Cru ClasséBordeaux Blend: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. The last few vintages have been of real super second quality and have matched or beaten the big names in blind tastings. Farr Vintners Enjoyable damson and red cherry fruit, sandalwood smoke adds depth though the mid palate, with stretched out tannins studded through with white pepper and turmeric. This is bright and well handled, good structure, firm tannins, austere but finessed. 34hl h

elegant and classy

Ageing in French oak for 12 months

cigar box all adding complexity

with a 100% gravity-fed cellar

sage and crushed rocks all race out of the glass

lively acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish

and finishing up with liquorice bean and coffee grounds on the finish

opening Menthol/minty

A touch of wood on the finish but subtle and supportive

A highlight this year is the 2019 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur

I suspect it will spread its wings during its élevage

although it is very much closed in on itself