2016 Château de Pez
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Tasting notes
Lovely aromatics of ripe black fruits edged with violet flowers and smoked cedar. This is powerful, you feel the punch and the sense of momentum, impressive grip that opens up to show charcoal, chocolate and slate, lovely balance and character, young but starting to open up, full of class and appellation signature. One of the values of the tasting. Harvest September 20 to October 18, lasting almost a full calendar month.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
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.
The 2016 de Pez was tasted both at the London UGC and in Bordeaux, though the latter, I feel, was more representative. It has a clean, precise bouquet with almost flinty blackberry aromas, very focused though not powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, nice structure and a slightly reserved style, though I like the spiciness toward the finish. It just needs more substance and vigor. Though it does not match my estimation from barrel, this Saint Estèphe can surprise with age. Perhaps time is the issue?
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.
About the producer
The Rouzaud family of Champagne Louis Roederer purchased this Saint-Estèphe estate in 1995. The property comprises 23 hectares of vines, divided between 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot. The wine is aged in around 25% new oak for 18 months.