Château Ormes de Pez 2011

A Saint-Estèphe red wine that harmoniously blends complexity and elegance

The estate

Founded in the 18th century, Château Ormes de Pez is located in the Médoc, in the Saint-Estèphe appellation. Owned by the Cazes family since 1939, Château Ormes de Pez has undergone major renovations and modernisation, of both the tools and the vineyard. The estate takes its name from the word "pez" meaning "peace" in the local dialect, also meaning the elm trees that once were found on the estate before this variety died out in Europe.

The wines of Château Ormes de Pez are produced with the same care and attention as those of the Cru Classé de Pauillac Château Lynch-Bages, which also belongs to the Cazes family. Reflecting the typical style of Saint-Estèphe, the wines of Château Ormes de Pez combine generous and bright fruit with a fleshy texture and powerful body, promising a very good ageing potential.

The vineyard

Château Ormes de Pez 2011 is a Saint-Estèphe wine that stems from a 35-hectare vineyard planted on two distinct terroirs. The famous Garonne gravels, gravelly plots on quartz and pebble soils on which the Cabernet grapes truly thrive. The terroir of Château Ormes de Pez is also marked by the presence of sandy-clay plots which are cooler and favourable to the Merlot variety. The vines are 35 years old on average.

The vintage

Spring was particularly hot and dry, favouring an early flowering period. A cool, wet July preceded a month of August during which the weather alternated between cool temperatures and heatwaves, as well as stormy spells. September's mild, warm and dry conditions are ideal for ensuring that the grapes ripen gradually and evenly until the harvest.

Vinification and ageing

During the manual harvest, the grapes are rigorously sorted in the vineyard. The wine is aged for 15 months in oak barrels (45% new oak).

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (50%)

Merlot (41%)

Cabernet Franc (7%)

Petit Verdot (2%).

Château Ormes de Pez 2011: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

Dense and deep, the nose blends fruity (black fruits) and spicy fragrances with subtle vanilla and roasted notes.

Palate

Ample and fleshy, the palate is seduced by this wine’s supple tannins that weave into a full-bodied and spicy finish.