From: Bordeaux, France
Varietals: 53% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Petit Verdot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc
The appellation of St. Estèphe, situated on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, is unique by its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde River. The soil consists of gravel over clay, providing good drainage and a temperate, maritime climate, which is excellent for the maturation of the grapes. Founded in the 15th century, Château de Pez is the oldest domaine in Saint-Estèphe. The Pontac family, then-owners of Château Haut-Brion, gave Pez its vineyards.
Tasting Notes: The bouquet of this wine expresses notes of blackcurrant, cherry and liquorice as well as a hint of minerals. Rich and complex, this wine maintains the balance between density and harmony, power and refinement, race and the precision of its tannins.
“One of the many estates on the Pez plateau in Saint-Estèphe, this property is at the top of its game. Owned by the same proprietors as Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, the wine has structure, big tannins as well as dense black fruits. Drink from 2024.” –Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 93 points (May 2019)
“This has a mix of red currant, dark plum and bitter cherry fruit flavors giving nice range from the start, while light tobacco, iron and singed alder notes check in as well. The taut finish has pebbly tannins and solid length. Cellar to let this unwind. Best from 2023 through 2033. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.” –James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92 points (March 2019)
“Made by Nicolas from Comtesse, the 2016 Château de Pez checks in as a blend of 42%, 53 Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Black cherries, green tobacco, some underbrush, and cedar pencil notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, supple, elegant 2016 that still shows true Saint-Estèphe character.” –Jeb Dunnuck, 92 points (February 2019)
“St.-Estèphe is supposed to be a robust and hard wine, but this is elegant and sophisticated with fine, cassis and lemon-peel aromas, polished tannins and a long, rather delicate finish. Drink or hold.” –James Suckling, 93 points (Feburary 2019)
“The 2016 de Pez has turned out well. Iron, smoke, savory herbs, menthol and scorched earth all give Pez its distinctive feral, savory profile. The tannins are still a bit tough, but time will help, to some degree. It will be interesting to see what the Roederer group does at de Pez moving forward, now that it is the Rouzaud family's sole holding in Saint-Estèphe.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, 92 points (January 2019)
