2025, Château de Pez, SAINT-ESTÈPHE

The oldest estate in Saint-Estèphe-established in 1452.
Highly regarded Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel owned by Champagne Louis Roederer.

2% Cabernet Franc, 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot.

Lovely clear fragrance. Purity of red berries straight away, this is super refined and juicy. Wow this is exceptional, so pure and finessed, beautifully fine and filagreed. There’s density but no overt muscularity and flesh. This is straightforward and well defined, more layered than dense -– so beautifully presented. There’s a real refinement here at Pez, one of the best Ep samples I’ve tasted from this estate – a salty, black liquorice undertone. Juicy, fruity, supple with clarity and poise. Almost chalky tannins with a wet stone grip on the finish. Just delicious. Ageing 50% new oak. 2030-2038 94 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

The 2025 Château de Pez, which contains no Petit Verdot this year, is matured in 50% new oak for 18 months. Nicolas Glumineau said that he is trying to make this more refined with "layers of tannins". It has a reserved nose, quite stony/minerally, with hints of graphite percolating through the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, unadulteratedly classic in style with an off-dry, quintessentially Saint-Estèphe finish. Tasted twice. 2031-2050. 92-94 Neal Martin, Vinous.