Chateau Saint Pierre, 1973

Château Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre, St Julien

Description and Reviews:
The 1973 Château Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre is a well-aged Saint-Julien wine, originating from a historically divided estate that was later reunited under Château Saint-Pierre. The 1973 Bordeaux vintage was challenging, with cool and wet conditions, resulting in wines that were lighter and meant for early drinking. While some bottles may still offer glimpses of their original character, most have likely passed their peak.

With over 50 years of aging, this wine may still display delicate aromas of dried rosehips, faded tobacco, and tea, with flavors of red currant and cranberry. However, its structure has likely softened, and its longevity is dependent on careful storage. Well-preserved bottles may still provide an enjoyable experience, but the vintage’s fragility means that drinkability will vary.

If opening a 1973 Château Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre, it is best served at 16-18°C (60-64°F) with gentle decanting to separate sediment while preserving its delicate aromas. Light food pairings, such as soft cheeses or roasted poultry, will complement its subtle profile. While not a long-lived Bordeaux vintage, this wine remains a historical curiosity, offering a rare taste of Saint-Julien from a unique period in the estate’s history.

The Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre label originated from the historical division of Château Saint-Pierre in the 18th century, when the estate was split among heirs. This resulted in different ownerships, with Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre operating as a separate entity from the original Château Saint-Pierre. The fragmentation lasted for over two centuries, until Henri Martin reunited the estate in 1982, restoring it to its former status. As a result, bottles labeled Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre represent a distinct chapter in the estate’s long and complex history.