For quality vs value, Ormes de Pez is going to be hard to beat in 2016. The estate is named after the majestic, century-old elms which tower over the estate. It was bought by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1940, a year after he bought Ch Lynch Bages. Being part of such pedigree ensures that this estate delivers high class quality. We firmly believe Ormes de Pez offers some the best value that can be found in the Médoc and in 2016 this estate has excelled.
Being situated to the west of St Estèphe, the vines here enjoy a maritime climate, lending itself perfectly to the conditions in 2016. This is a beautifully crafted claret that is undoubtedly one of the value picks of the vintage, with gorgeous dark fruits and savoury concentration. Neal Martin has given this one of this top scores ever, saying ‘Harmonious right to the end, this is an excellent Les Ormes de Pez that seems to revel in the 2016 vintage. This might be one of the best wines from the estate.’
We would recommend putting away a few cases of this exceptional wine for future enjoyment.
Ch Les Ormes de Pez Cru Bourgeois St Estèphe 2016
£127 per 6 bottles (6x75cl) IB
£250 per 12 bottles (12x75cl) IB
£260 per 6 magnums (6x150cl) IB
£335 per 3 double magnums (3x300cl) IB
£207 per single imperial (1x600cl) IB
52% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, with 45% new oak. Located in the hamlet of Pez, just to the west of St Estèphe, this property has two distinct soil types: warm gravel soils well suited to Cabernet, and cooler clay pockets ideal for Merlot. This estate is managed by Jean-Charles Cazes’s team at Lynch Bages. The 2016 has a smoky charred tone to the oak which wraps around the spicy fruit. The rich wine’s tannins are tenacious, with a certain grip in their youth. It is classically St Estèphe. Drink 2023-2031. Goedhuis, 91-93 points.
The 2016 Les Ormes de Pez is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 52% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked from 28 September until 12 October. It has an impressive bouquet: blackcurrants, boysenberry and crème de cassis, all with very well integrated new oak. There is a lot of panache here, a word perhaps I have not associated with this Saint Estèphe in recent years. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a lovely grainy texture, quite pure with lovely blackberry, melted tar and slightly savory, almost meaty notes. Harmonious right to the end, this is an excellent Les Ormes de Pez that seems to revel in the 2016 vintage. This might be one of the best wines from the estate. Drink 2022 – 2045. Neal Martin, 92-94 points.
The Cazes family’s property in St-Estèphe, which for a drinking wine is going to be hard to beat this year. Juicy and utterly delicious, it has freshness and a great menthol character with finely grained tannins. It manages to deliver the Médoc signature without falling over itself. From 52% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot planted on clay-limestone and gravels, aged in 45% new oak. Jane Anson, Decanter, 93 points.
Powerful and structured with lots of blueberry, blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, tight and tannic yet polished and beautiful. Fantastic. Juicy. James Suckling, 93-94 points.