Château Saint-Pierre 2011

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Château Saint-Pierre 2011

Tasting

Color

The color shows a deep ruby hue with purple highlights.

Nose

The bouquet reveals beautiful aromatic complexity dominated by notes of blackcurrant and black fruits. Mineral nuances of graphite and pencil lead bring an elegance characteristic of the appellation. With aeration, aromas of tobacco, cedar, and subtle vanilla further enrich the whole.

Palate

The attack on the palate unveils a medium- to full-bodied texture, carried by a fine density of black fruit. The palate expresses flavors of black cherry, blackcurrant, and plum, accompanied by floral touches of iris. The tannins are fine yet firm, offering a polished structure that frames the fruit harmoniously. The finish lingers at length with notes of dark fruit, minerality, and fresh herbs, supported by lively acidity that maintains the overall freshness.

Food and Wine Pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with pheasant with cabbage. It also elegantly complements grilled or roasted red meats, herb-crusted lamb preparations, as well as feathered or furred game. Aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Manchego also make excellent pairings.

Serving and Cellaring

Château Saint-Pierre 2011 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 17 and 18°C. Decanting for about one hour before serving allows the wine to fully express its aromatic range. This vintage can be enjoyed through around 2036.

An elegant, structured Saint-Julien with a distinctive character

The estate

The Château Saint-Pierre, founded in 1693, is a historic wine estate located in Saint-Julien. The vineyard covers 17 hectares and has been classified as a 4th Grand Cru Classé since 1855. After being fragmented, it was reassembled in 1982 by Henri Martin, and is now run by the Triaud family. What sets Château Saint-Pierre apart is its historical continuity, its traditional Médoc architecture, and its prestigious classification, making it a cornerstone of the Bordeaux elite.

The vineyard

The Château Saint-Pierre vineyard spans 17 hectares in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation. The plots sit on gravel soils deposited during the Günz glacial period, over clay and sand foundations that ensure optimal drainage while maintaining sufficient water reserves. The vines, averaging 60 years of age, benefit from an oceanic climate moderated by the proximity of the Gironde estuary, encouraging gradual ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

The 2011 vintage in Bordeaux proved variable and demanding for winegrowers. The contrasting weather conditions required rigorous vineyard management and meticulous parcel selection at harvest.

Winemaking and aging

The Château Saint-Pierre 2011 harvest was carried out by hand with rigorous berry selection. Vinification took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing precise control of fermentation temperatures and optimal extraction of tannins and color. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new. This measured approach to aging favors the expression of fruit and terroir.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (81%)
Merlot (15%)
Cabernet Franc (4%)