Château Saint-Pierre 1996

Burly, traditional claret. Great dark color and intense aromas of black cherry and berry with hints of mineral and spice. Full-bodied, with full tannins and a sweet berry aftertaste. Very chewy. Best after 2002.

With the light color of a mature wine, tobacco, spice, cedar and cassis, medium body and a slightly, drying tart, cassis finish, this wine is past its prime. The wines being made today at this St. Julien property are not in the same styleas previous vintages and show a marked increase in quality and the ability to age and evolve.

97: Very deep violet. Floral bouquet, clear Cabernet presence, showing complexity. Medium-bodied on the palate, with a little less power than Gloria from the same estate; artisanal vinification, good length. 17/20 2002 – 2017

A good acidic backbone. Slight animal notes on opening, but with style. With air, the fruit comes through again. A lovely finish.

Bad bottle Rather rustic wine, with pronounced tannins, lacking finesse and charm. Two identical bottles.

The 1996 Saint-Pierre has a little more cohesion and precision than the Gloria. Light scents of pressed flowers/rose petals infuse the black fruit, a little mint emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with tobacco-infused black fruit and dry tannins, a bit stolid in style with a slightly austere finish. Not bad and probably better than the Gloria.