Chateau Ormes de Pez 2015

The refinement and aromatic richness of a red wine from Saint-Estephe

The estate

Founded in the 18th century, Chateau Ormes de Pez is located in the Medoc, on the Saint-Estephe wine appellation. Owned by the Cazes family since 1940, Chateau Ormes de Pez has been subject to significant renovations and modernizations. The estate gets its name from the word in patois, "pez", which means "peace" in local patois, as well as the elms (ormes) which existed on the estate before the variety died out in Europe.

The wines by Chateau Ormes de Pez are produced using the same attention and care as Chateau Lynch-Bages, a Pauillac Cru Classe which also belongs to the Cazes family. Reflecting the typical style of Saint-Estephe, Chateau Ormes de Pez’s wines bring together indulgence and the brilliance of the fruit with a fleshy texture and a powerful substance which promise beautiful years in the cellar.

The vineyard

Located at the north of the Saint-Estephe commune, the Chateau Ormes de Pez vineyard covers 35 hectares of vines planted on two distinct terroirs. There, famous Garonne gravel from gravelly plots upon soils of quartz and rolled pebbles can be found. Chateau Ormes de Pez’s vineyard is also marked by the presence of clayey-sand plots, which are cooler in temperature. The vines are around 30 years old on average, and the grape varieties at the estate reflect the wine-growing tradition specific to the Medoc.

The vintage

Although budbreak was average to late at the beginning of the cycle, crop development at the vine was explosive, with quick and uniform flowering. June was marked by hot and dry conditions, leading to gradual water stress. The grapes were harvested at an optimal level of ripeness and were of a very high quality.

Winemaking and aging

This vintage marks several innovations for the property, such as the use of new vats to preserve the whole grape from the harvest to the cellar, or even the strain of yeast selected at the estate. It should also be noted that this vintage returns to a blend which had not used more Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon for over 15 years. Aging lasts for 16 months in barrels, 45% of which are new wood.

Blend

Merlot (49%),

Cabernet Sauvignon (44%),

Cabernet Franc (6%)

Petit Verdot (1%).

Chateau Ormes de Pez 2015: Characteristics and tasting tips

Tasting

Color

The wine displays an intense, almost inky color.

Nose

The dense nose unveils a beautiful aromatic freshness marked by intense fragrances of black fruit.

Palate

The structured palate seduces with its fine tannins, its velvety touch, its length on the palate and its aging potential, which is particular to very great Bordeaux vintages.