Château Ormes de Pez 2018

The nose is aromatic, refined and well-crafted, offering power along with a touch of intensity. It reveals notes of small wild red berries, wild strawberry and, more subtly, Sichuan pepper, combined with hints of blackberry, liquorice stick, touches of spice, a fine hint of exotic spices and a very discreet/almost imperceptible touch of cocoa. The palate is fruity, balanced and refined, with lovely definition, juiciness, minerality and gourmand appeal, supported by a fine tangy acidic thread, a touch of freshness and a slight density. On the palate, the wine expresses notes of juicy blackberry, bright cherry and, more subtly, small juicy/fresh red berries, combined with subtle touches of racy minerality, spices, rose and violet, along with hints of spice and a very discreet touch of cocoa/vanilla. The tannins are precise. Good length. Score: 16/20

Very charming, the 2018 follows in the footsteps of previous vintages, with a lovely richness in the mid-palate and very smooth, refined tannins. A safe bet.

Powerful, austere, and robust structure; crisp and juicy, stylish, with class.

Ripe and lively, with an iron twinge right from the start that pierces the core of red currant and bitter cherry fruit flavors. Lilac, charcoal and savory details dot the racy, mouthwatering finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2031.

Beautiful aromatics, this is thoroughly enjoyable with brambles and hawthorn that give focus and lift. 45% new oak. 3.57pH. Brilliant value, as ever.

The 2018 Ormes de Pez is a powerhouse, just as it was en primeur. Inky dark fruit, cloves, menthol, gravel, licorice, game and scorched earth power through this virile, imposing Saint-Estèphe from the Cazes family. Savory accents from the Cabernets and the Petit Verdot add intensity through to the imposing finish.

Peppery red fruits, tobacco leaf, cedar, and red currants grab your attention. From there, medium-bodied waves of ripe, juicy, crisp berries roll across the palate, their spicy overtone sealing the deal. Give this classically styled wine 4–5 years in the cellar and enjoy it over the following two decades.

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Attractive fresh black forest berry fruit, mineral, cherries, candied orange zest. Juicy, ripe plums, pronounced fruit core, a breath of apricot, ripe tannins, good length, sure development potential.

Emerging from the team at Lynch-Bages, the 2018 Château Ormes De Pez checks in as 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all brought up in just 45% new French oak. Lots of perfumed blue fruits, leafy tobacco, cedar, and spring flowers emerge from the glass, and it has a rocking core of sweet fruit balanced by ripe tannins and nicely integrated acidity. This fresh, lively, perfumed Saint-Estèphe is going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25+ in cold cellars.

Kunz barrel sample 19: herbal, dark, finely mineral bouquet, blackberries, black cherries, dark tobacco, slate, licorice. Medium-bodied, aromatic palate with finely sandy tannins, a subtly bourgeois structure, dark aromatics, and a long, herbal finish.

Herbs, dark, finely mineral bouquet, blackberries, black cherries, dark tobacco, slate, licorice. Medium-bodied, aromatic palate with finely sandy tannins, a subtly bourgeois structure, dark aromatics, long, bitter finish. 17/20 2024 - 2038

The 2018 Ormes de Pez is deep garnet-purple in color. It zips out with notes of kirsch, sassafras, and roses, with a core of warm cassis, blackberry pie, and cinnamon toast. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers intense red and black fruit layers, with ripe, grainy tannins and a vibrant, lifted finish.

The most complete in recent history, one of the clearest definitions of what we expect from a fine Saint-Estèphe, with the serious voluptuousness specific to this very special vintage.

The estate is under the same ownership as Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac. Rich and smoky, this sophisticated, rich wine has some serious tannins as well as black fruits. The wine shows great pedigree, with dark berry fruits and a firm, ageworthy structure. Drink from 2026.

A blend of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new barriques, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Ormes de Pez comes tearing out of the glass with rambunctious notes of stewed black cherries, crème de cassis and raspberry pie, plus hints of Indian spices, dried Provence herbs and potpourri with a waft of woodsmoke. The full-bodied palate is decadently spicy with bags of black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing long with lovely freshness.