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, 40 percent of them new.
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. It is to be noted that 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.
Despite all of the surprises, fears and doubts, 2015 turned out to be a remarkable vintage. The growing cycle took place in perfect conditions up until some extremely dry weather in July, leading to worries over low yields. The rain and associated fungal diseases that are usually feared turned out to work for the best from mid-July to mid-September, enabling the vine to reach optimum ripeness levels. The wines are distinctive and exceptionally precise yet also dense and restrained. Reminiscent of the extremely dense yet ethereal Bordeaux’s of the 1980s, with an excellent aging potential yet able to be enjoyed in their youth.
Rich black fruits on the nose. Long, round, sappy palate developing aromas of morello cherry, blackcurrant and a pleasant sweetness on the finish.
Lamb, red meats, cheese, truffle, chocolate.
Serve at room temperature
JamesSuckling.com: 90 POINTS
February 3, 2018, James Suckling
“Quite a bit of menthol cabernet sauvignon character on the nose, then a rather sleek, fresh palate with moderate tannins make this a rather easy St.-Estephe to enjoy. Some nice savory character on the clean finish. Drink now or in 2019 or 2020.”
Wine Enthusiast: 92 POINTS
February 1, 2018, Roger Voss
“Under the same ownership as Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac, this estate has produced a concentrated wine. Dark and firm, with the tannins up front, the wine will take time to develop. Wait until 2025.”
AOC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
51% Merlot
44% Cabernet Sauvignon
3% Petit Verdot
2% Cabernet Franc
Natural Cork
13.5%
No
No
