Château Les Ormes de Pez, St Estèphe, 2012
Jean-Charles Cazes' operation in St Estephe continues to go from strength to strength. Produced from 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this is another very polished effort. Inky, perfumed, seductive purple fruit, spice and fruits of the forest. The palate is awash with ripe berries and gravelly notes. This is real claret with plenty of stuffing and energy and is sure to be one of the best value buys from the Medoc.
critic reviews
Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Ormes de Pez bursts with open-knit black cherry compote and eucalyptus scents, followed by wafts of blackcurrant cordial, unsmoked cigar, and dusty soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is chock full of minty black fruits with savory accents and a chewy texture, finishing spicy. Mature now, it is time to drink up.
The 2012 Les Ormes de Pez feels a little muffled on the nose, missing some complexity and terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, grippy but chunky and rather austere towards the finish. Lacks a bit of charm. A second bottle at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On confirmed that this is a rather disappointing Saint-Estèphe.
Gunsmoke reduction on the first nose, plenty of meaty raspberry and redcurrant fruit as it opens, but everything feels a little tense. Still has life ahead, I would ensure a good hour-long carafe but it is ready to begin drinking, with a structue that delivers now but not one the long term. Harvest October 4 to 18.