Chateau de Pez Saint-Estephe 2019
(Bordeaux, France) - [WE 95] [TWI 93] [JD 93] [JS 93] [DM 93] [WS 93] [WA 92-94] [VM 92]

About the Winery: 
Founded in the 15th century, Pez is the oldest domaine in Saint-Estèphe. The Pontac family, then-owners of Château Haut-Brion, gave Pez its vineyards. The property remained in the hands of descendants until the French Revolution. Sold as a property of the state, the domaine belonged to a succession of families until 1995, when it was purchased by Louis Roederer.

Château de Pez consists of 118 continuous acres with 103 acres planted to prime grape varieties, mainly merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Thanks to the quality of its production, Château de Pez is counted among the most highly reputed crus of the Médoc and was reclassified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 2003.

Since 2005, Pez has been on an exciting intellectual and technical journey of precision winemaking: experimenting with biodynamic viticulture, a new cellar allowing for plot-by-plot vinification, a meticulous selection of French oak barrels. Under winemaker Nicolas Glumineau's helm, the property bears the distinctive hallmarks of Saint-Estèphe with a modern, elegant twist.

Winemaking:
Château de Pez remains resolutely faithful to wood. The blend is composed in December, and 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. It is to be noted that the wine undergoes absolutely no filtration.

Varietals: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

Wine Alcohol: 14.33%

pH: 3.69

Soil Composition: Gravel with clay and limestone

Average Vine Age: 25 years

New Oak: 35%

Tasting Notes:
Hints of licorice and golden tobacco on the nose, before opening up to both fruity (redcurrant, blackberry) and floral (iris) notes. The palate is smooth and syrupy, reminiscent of raspberry jelly. The mouth is well-balanced with a savory finish revealing slightly grainy tannins, which gives the wine energy and great length, precision and sweetness.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
Spicy and structured, this is a classic Saint-Estèphe. Big tannins are boldly paired with the potential of the ripe black currant fruits that are juicy and fresh. The two sides of this wine are not yet together but do promise considerable aging. 

93 Points - The wine Independent:
"The 2019 de Pez is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it pops with vibrant blackcurrant, black cherry, and boysenberry notes, plus hints of licorice and Indian spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and lively with grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a bright and cheery lift." – LPB (May 2022)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Currants, plums, new leather, and cedar pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château De Pez, a nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied Saint-Estèphe that has plenty of classic character as well as class. With ripe, polished tannins and terrific purity, it can be drunk any time over the coming 20-25 years." (Apr 2022)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"Sweet berries with cedar and sandalwood, as well as flowers, such as lavender. Perfumed. Full-to medium-bodied with very polished and refined tannins that run the length of the wine. Very attractive and balanced. Drink after 2025." (Jan 2022)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Owned by Pichon Comtesse, this is a lovely St Estèphe with polish and poise. Good depth to the berry fruits, with an appealing unfussy confidence. New cellars this year that allows for more precise reflection of the plots in 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend." - Jane Anson (May 2020)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Bright and fresh, featuring an upfront display of red and black currant preserve flavors, laced with black tea and backed by a nice iron twinge through the finish. Sneaky long, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2035." - JM (Mar 2022)

92-94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande!" - LPB (Jun 2020)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2019 de Pez has gained tremendously in weight, power and substance. A wine of breadth and pure power, Pez possesses tremendous resonance and intensity, right out of the gate. Scorched earth, incense, plum, menthol and tar hit the palate. This rich, heady Saint-Estèphe has a ton to offer." - Antonio Galloni (Feb 2022)