Château Saint-Pierre has recently released its 2023 vintage as part of the Bordeaux En Primeur campaign, priced at GBP 410.40 (EUR 479) per 12×75.
This release is notable for its significant price reduction compared to the previous year. In terms of critical reception, the wine has garnered favorable reviews, positioning it as a strong contender among recent vintages.
Pricing and Market Context
The 2023 vintage is being offered at EUR 32.40 per bottle ex-négociant, representing a 28.9% decrease from the 2022 release price of EUR 45.60 per bottle. Internationally, it is available at GBP 410.40 (EUR 479) per case, down 25.4% from the 2022’s opening price of GBP 550 (EUR 642) per case. Despite this reduction, the 2023 release remains one of the pricier vintages currently available on the market.
For those seeking value, older vintages such as 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 present compelling alternatives. These back vintages not only offer potential savings but also have the advantage of additional aging.
Critical Acclaim
Château Saint-Pierre 2023 has received strong endorsements from leading wine critics:
- William Kelley (The Wine Advocate): Awarded a score of 92-94 points, calling it a "strong effort" and predicting it will "age with grace."
- Antonio Galloni (Vinous): Scored it 93-95 points, praising its "ton of character, incisive tannins, and bright acids."
- Neal Martin (Vinous): Gave it 91-93 points, describing the wine as "precise and fresh with plenty of black fruit and a lovely graphite note underneath."
- James Suckling: Rated it 94-95 points, describing the wine as "very refined and classy."
- Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (The Wine Independent): Scored it 93-95 points, highlighting notes of "fresh black and red currants, licorice, and charcoal, plus hints of dried roses and fallen leaves."
- Jane Anson: Awarded the wine 95 points, noting its "enjoyable, sleek, and confident" profile with "effortless finesse."
Value Comparison
For buyers interested in value opportunities, several back vintages are worth considering:
- 2015 and 2016 Vintages: Both vintages, which have similar market prices around £400-£401 per case, are slightly cheaper than the 2023 release. The 2016 vintage, in particular, received Jane Anson's highest score of the decade with 97 points.
- 2018 Vintage: Also available at a comparable price to the 2015 and 2016, the 2018 vintage has been highly praised and offers excellent value.
- 2019 Vintage: Available at a 15.9% discount to the 2023 release, the 2019 vintage received 94 points from Neal Martin and comes from a proven vintage, making it an attractive option for value-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
Château Saint-Pierre 2023 stands out with strong critical acclaim and a significant price reduction compared to the previous year. However, buyers looking for value might find better opportunities in the 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 vintages, which offer excellent quality at a lower cost. As always, the choice will depend on individual preferences and the desire to explore different expressions of Château Saint-Pierre’s esteemed St. Julien terroir.