I’ve long been a fan of Saint-Pierre—serious St-Julien at a rewarding price point. At its best, the château operates at a level that challenges the big names of the Left Bank, as it did in the great vintages of the past decade, especially 2016. That was the year Jane Anson wrote that “Saint-Pierre is right up there with the best examples you can find” in what she called “the most effortlessly brilliant vintage in St-Julien.” I’ve always had a soft spot for their 2016, but I honestly didn’t realize they produced a commercially available second wine until tasting it last spring. No surprise, their Esprit de Saint-Pierre shows the remarkable depth of the Grand Vin and the balance of the 2016, delivering outstanding value for its category. The wine opens with red fruit and floral aromatics, leading to a palate that moves between bright and deep red fruit—cassis, cherry—and subtle earthiness. Great texture and acidity carry fine tannins to an impressive finish. It shows just a touch of evolution, suggesting the very start of a long drinking window. Now approaching its second decade, this gem is drinking beautifully and should continue effortlessly for another ten years.