Chateau de Pez Saint-Estephe 2020
(Bordeaux, France) - [DM 94] [WE 94] [JD 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 is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux’s Left Bank and 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.

2020 Vintage Notes:
Another very mild winter favored an early bud break from March 24th. April and May were hot but also very wet with rainfall superior to the last thirty years' average. Despite the rainy spells that preceded it, flowering was early and rapid, from May 20th to the 22nd. After a cool and fairly rainy June, the drought and heat set in for good until mid-August. Careful leaf thinning limited the exposure of the bunches to the sun's heat. The veraison began on August 1st, and lasted until August 6th. The rains that followed were enough to preserve the maturity process after the period of hydric stress. The harvest began on September 11th in dry and healthy conditions. Some rainfall accompanied us until the end of the harvest on September 26th, without affecting the superb quality of the grapes.

Technical Information:
Varietals: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Wine Alcohol: 13.4%
pH: 3.71
Soil Composition: Gravel with clay and limestone
Average Vine Age: 25 years
New Oak: 35%
Aging: 12 months in oak barrels

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Needs time to open. Marvellous mineral aspects and salinity with superior tannic grain. Time in glass reveals cigar box from the Cabernet, plus high-toned raspberry, ripe plum and cedar. Cellar at least three years before enjoying. Potential for a higher score later." - Panos Kakaviatos (Feb 2023)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This wine is dense, classic for Saint-Estèphe. Bold black fruits and dark hues are set to give a wine that will take its time. Tannins are surrounded by berry fruits and richness. Drink from 2027." - Roger Voss (Apr 2023)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"I was able to taste the 2020 Château De Pez on multiple occasions, and it never failed to impress. This outstanding Saint-Estèphe reveals a semi-opaque purple hue as well as textbook aromatics of ripe black and blue fruits, truffly earth, violets, and leafy tobacco. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, light tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It lacks a touch of oomph, but this balanced, graceful, incredibly pure 2020 will benefit from just 4-5 years of bottle age and should see its 20th birthday in fine form."  (Sep 2023)