Château Les Ormes de Pez, St Estèphe, 2005
A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, exhibiting considerable ripeness of black fruit on the nose with a hint of cracked pepper. Very crisp on the palate, this is a very well-made wine, whose dark blackcurrant fruit is tinged with a hint of cherry that further enlivens the palate. The structure is robust, the tannins chewy, ripe, and very fine indeed, and the finish has considerable length.
critic reviews
The 2005 Ormes de Pez has a slightly rustic, earthy nose with animal fur scents infusing black fruit—quite charming in a way. The medium-bodied palate offers sappy black fruit laced with liquorice and mint, gentle grip and a touch of spicebox on the slightly dry finish. This is actually better than I expected given that the wines could be "tough" in this era. Perhaps it just needed 20 years? Tasted at Château Lynch Bages.
Ruby red colour, gentle bricking around the edges, enjoyably brambled fruits on the finish. This is a classic 2005 at the right moment to drink - effortless, unfussy, fruit-filled but not overblown, heading towards tertiary flavours of tobacco and undergrowth showcasing the charm and finesse of St Estèphe as it ages. Fine tannins that embrace and push forward the fruit. No blockbuster character here, but simple pleasures to share. Easy to recommend.
The 2005 Les Ormes de Pez is medium-bodied, soft, round, not terribly concentrated, but spicy and earthy, with light tannin. Drink it over the next decade.