2018 Chateau Ormes de Pez, Saint-Estephe 1x75cl

Antonio Galloni 90

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-Estephe from the Cazes family. Savory accents from the Cabernets and the Petit Verdot add intensity through to the imposing finish. [Antonio Galloni, 29/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2033

Neal Martin 89

The 2018 Les Ormes de Pez was a perplexing wine from barrel, when I felt it was unnaturally hedonistic. Now in bottle, it does not dispense with what is still a comparatively exotic bouquet for a Saint-Estephe in this vintage: brash red fruit, kirsch and cassis aromas. This is quite seductive but it just misses the DNA of the appellation. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and corpulent, with saturated tannins and a ripe, licorice-tinged finish. I maintain that this is an enjoyable Les Ormes de Pez, but it is still not my favorite in recent years. [Neal Martin, 08/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2036

Wine Advocate 90

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, creme 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. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 23/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2037

JancisRobinson.com 17+

Tasted blind. Marked acidity and not-quite-ripe tannins. Quite challenging at this point but there is fruit there and this may simply need time. [20/01/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2045