Created in the 15th century, Château de Pez is the oldest domain in Saint-Estèphe. The Pontac family, who also created Haut-Brion, gave Pez its vineyards. The domain was sold as a property of the state after the French Revolution and was owned by a succession of families before Champagne Louis Roederer purchased it in 1995.
The Château de Pez estate covers more than 26 hectares. The wines are left to ferment in traditional oak vats before being blended, and left to develop for a period of 16 to 18 months in oak barrels.
The Château de Pez winery remains resolutely faithful to wood. The blend is composed in December, then the wine is stored in barrels (40% new wood, 40% in “premier vin” casks and 20% in “deuxième vin” casks) and racked every three months. Vatting: 22-30 days. The wine undergoes absolutely no filtration. The wines of Château de Pez have an attractive tannic structure worthy of further ageing. They are sometimes referred to as the ‘Pomerols’ of St-Estèphe, in part due to the smooth roundness brought to the wine by the Merlot vines grown on the exceptional soils. They tend to be dark in colour and have great length, body and distinction and are best appreciated after 5+ years.
After two difficult vintages, 2009 showed great promise. All the conditions were in place for a great vintage.
Each stage of the growing season had had optimal growing conditions (flowering, fruit setting, veraison and ripening). In addition, the harvest was magnificent with each plot able to reach optimal ripeness. In each vat there was amazing freshness, fruit, as well as unctuous, silky tannins, especially in the Cabernet Sauvignon vats. From the lab analysis point of view the balances were perfect.
Dense purple red colour with aromas of crushed rocks, sweet black currants. On the palate, good blackcurrant fruit with spicy vineyard earthiness, layered with fine depth of ripe middle fruit and a sophisticated yet still robust finish.
Ideal with lamb and other red meats, holding up well to rich sauces.
Serve at room temperature.
Decanter 17
Wine Spectator 86-89
The Wine Advocate – Robert Parker 90-92
AOC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
47% Cabernet Sauvignon
47% Merlot
6% Petit Verdot
Natural Cork
14%
