Scores
93
Robert Parker
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.
92
Vinous
The 2016 Les Ormes de Pez had a tightly wound, graphite-scented bouquet that needs a little coaxing from the glass but eventually reveals discreet minerally scents mixed with sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with quite succulent tannin, and certainly more approachable than the Les Ormes de Pez of the past, delivering gentle grip toward the tarry finish. This is a finely crafted Saint-Estèphe from team Cazes.
93
Decanter
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. Mostly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, planted on clay-limestone and gravels, aged in 45% new oak. 3.69pH.