Ormes de Pez - Saint-Estèphe 2018

Vinous

90

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

The 2018 Ormes de Pez is a powerhouse, just as it was en primeur. Inky dark fruit, cloves, menthol, gravel, licorice, game and scorched earth power through this virile, imposing Saint-Estèphe from the Cazes family. Savory accents from the Cabernets and the Petit Verdot add intensity through to the imposing finish.

Wine Advocate

90

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/31/2021

A blend of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new barriques, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Ormes de Pez comes tearing out of the glass with rambunctious notes of stewed black cherries, crème de cassis and raspberry pie, plus hints of Indian spices, dried Provence herbs and potpourri with a waft of woodsmoke. The full-bodied palate is decadently spicy with bags of black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing long with lovely freshness.

Jeb DUNNUCK

92

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/16/2021

Emerging from the team at Lynch-Bages, the 2018 Château Ormes De Pez checks in as 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all brought up in just 45% new French oak. Lots of perfumed blue fruits, leafy tobacco, cedar, and spring flowers emerge from the glass, and it has a rocking core of sweet fruit balanced by ripe tannins and nicely integrated acidity. This fresh, lively, perfumed Saint-Estèphe is going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25+ in cold cellars.

The Wine Cellar Insider

91

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

Peppery red fruits, tobacco leaf, cedar and red currants get your attention. From there the mediu8m-bodied waves of ripe, juicy, crisp berries on the palate with their spicy overtone seals the deal. Give this classically styled wine 4-5 years in the cellar and enjoy it over the following 2 decades.

Vinous

89

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

The 2018 Les Ormes de Pez was a perplexing wine from barrel, when I felt it was unnaturally hedonistic. Now in bottle, it does not dispense with what is still a comparatively exotic bouquet for a Saint-Estèphe in this vintage: brash red fruit, kirsch and cassis aromas. This is quite seductive but it just misses the DNA of the appellation. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and corpulent, with saturated tannins and a ripe, licorice-tinged finish. I maintain that this is an enjoyable Les Ormes de Pez, but it is still not my favorite in recent years.

Wine Spectator

91

byJames Molesworththe2/1/2021

Ripe and lively, with an iron twinge right from the start that pierces the core of red currant and bitter cherry fruit flavors. Lilac, charcoal and savory details dot the racy, mouthwatering finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2031. –JM

Decanter.com

93

byJane Ansonthe1/12/2021

Wine Enthusiast

94

byRoger Vossthe1/5/2021

The estate is under the same ownership as Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac. Rich and smoky, this sophisticated, rich wine has some serious tannins as well as black fruits. The wine shows great pedigree, with dark berry fruits and a firm, ageworthy structure. Drink from 2026.

Vinous

88-90

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019

The 2018 Les Ormes de Pez is matured in 45% new oak, with 14.6% alcohol and an IPT of 84. Jean-Charles Cazes told me that this year there is more Merlot due to restructuring of the vineyard so that there is no almost 50% every year. It has a glossy, opulent bouquet with black cherries, kirsch and blueberry fruit, slightly confit in style and to be honest, just missing Saint Estèphe typicity. The palate is again, sweet and rich with layers of black fruit laced with black pepper and spices. This is a wine that coats the mouth, voluminious and powerful, a hedonistic Les Ormes that is enjoyable, but not my favourite vintage in recent years.

WeinWisser

17,5

byTjark Witzgallthe5/7/2019

Decanter.com

93

byJane Ansonthe5/1/2019

This has the luxurious kick of the Lynch Bages stable and is brilliant value for this level of quality. It seems to manage this every vintage and is just such a brilliant drinking wine. 2018 is another excellent year here, with deep fruitfulness of brambled hedgerow alongside liquorice and woodsmoke. It has a polyphenol index of 84IPT, so this is full of tannins but they don't feel overpowering. Tasted several times and always striking. 45% new oak. 3.57pH.
Drinking Window 2024 - 2036

Jeb DUNNUCK

91-93

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/1/2019

The inky colored 2018 Château Ormes De Pez checks in as 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and the balanced Petit Verdot that’s still aging in 45% new French oak. It offers lots of ripe black cherry and blackberry fruits intermixed with subtle violets and background oak. With building richness, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and remarkable purity of fruit, it’s another incredibly impressive Saint-Estephe that’s going to need 4-6 years of bottle age and be long-lived. 91-93+

Vinous

89-91

byAntonio Gallonithe5/1/2019

The 2018 Ormes de Pez is dark, plush and enveloping. Smoke, cured meats, licorice, violet, crème de cassis and dried flowers give the 2018 striking nuance. Unctuous and intense in its ripeness, Ormes de Pez is decidedly opulent in 2018. The 14.6% alcohol is evident, and yet the wine shows terrific balance, as well as quite a bit of promise. The blend is 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Wine Advocate

90-92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

Composed of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and aging in 45% new barriques, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Ormes de Pez leaps from the glass with vibrant blackberries, black cherries and mulberries scents plus touches of garrigue, tree bark and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with bags of muscular fruit, it has a firm, grainy texture and great freshness, finishing on an herbal lift.

Jamessuckling.com

93-94

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

This is very dense and lively with blueberry and blackberry character. Lots of purple fruit at the end. Full body and powerful tannins. Spicy undertones with hints of black tea.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

91

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Wine Spectator

90-93

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019

Fresh and racy, with a stream of violet and cassis flavors that is tightly focused. Pure, offering a minerally echo. Textbook.