My parents served Chateau St.-Pierre 1999 today (Pomerol, not to be confused with the similarly named Chateau Saint-Pierre in Saint-Julien!). What a nice find.
This wine is interesting to me for a couple reasons. Robert Parker lumps it in among his list of "Other notable producers" from Pomerol, which comes after the lists of "Outstanding," then "Excellent," then "Very Good," then "Good" producers. Damning with faint praise?
I'm not much of a Merlot fan; I'll drink it but I seem to prefer so many other red varietals that I don't usually buy it. But this one would be an exception. Not sure if it's the fact that it's nearly 10 years old, or that it's relatively understated (and only 12.5% alcohol) or what, but it was really smooth and really good. Parker says the estate's plantings are 65% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc, and 15% Cab Sauvignon, although that's not necessarily the blend every year.
It seems to be a Chairman's Selection, but maybe only a little(!). It doesn't seem to have ever been listed on the "
Upcoming Chairman's Selection" or the "
Chairman's Selection Now In Stores" lists, but it is listed when you select "Chairman's" in the "Search for:" box on the
search page. I don't know, maybe it's just a
really old Chairman's Selection? For the record, this wine is code #19758 and listed for $19.99.
SLO code # 54715 for $37.89 is also "Chateau St. Pierre 1999" however it's not clear from the description whether that is the Pomerol or the Saint-Julien!
There isn't a lot of this around and what is is in the eastern half of the state. If you see it I'd suggest giving it a try.
Mark
