JS97: A posh, sophisticated St.-Julien that manages to maintain freshness, nuanced complexity and class in a hot year. In fact, this is one of the best Saint-Pierres. Layered and poised, with lots of minerals, dark berries and pencil shavings, followed by fresh, firm and polished tannins. The finish goes on for almost a minute. Really exciting, even for the 2022, when a lot of the wines from the left bank did really well. Drink from 2029.

JD95-97+: A real "wow" wine in the making, the 2022 Château Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) checks in as 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. This darker, powerful wine offers up loads of pure cassis and black cherry-like fruits as well as ample chocolate, graphite, and lead pencil nuances. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, it nevertheless stays pure, impeccably balanced, and shows a real sense of elegance. The alcohol here is 13.9% and the élevage is in 48% new French oak. Tasted twice with consistent notes.