Ormes de Pez has been part of the Medoc landscape since the 18th century. At the time of the French Revolution, the current property was called the Domaine de Pez (meaning ''peace'' in the local dialect). As for the elms (''ormes'') that have appeared on the bottle labels since 2003, they grew on the grounds of the domaine until this mythical variety of tree ceased to grow in Europe in the 1950's.
From the 19th century onwards, the château had numerous owners (Southard and Pieck, Berthé, Carrère, Alibert, Meiners and Allemand, Eschenauer, Johnson, Miaihle), before becoming a part of the Cazes family. In around 1880, Marie Cazes married Jean Guillou, the Ormes de Pez Cellar Master. He was sadly killed at the very beginning of the Great War and so Marie, a woman of great character, subsequently took over the business. Her brother Jean-Charles Cazes purchased Ormes de Pez in 1940. Jean-Michel Cazes later redeveloped and modernised the traditional XVIII century buildings in the early 80's.
Château Ormes de Pez lies 60 km from Bordeaux on the Médoc peninsula. It benefits from a mild ocean climate thanks to its proximity to the estuary and the Atlantic ocean. Its 40 hectares of vineyards consist of two very distinct terroirs: the Cabernets thrive on the gravelly parcels composed of quartz and rolled pebbles whereas Merlot is best-suited to the cooler, sandy-clay parcels. These parcels have good drainage properties and are representative of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. Vines are planted in accordance with the traditional Médoc planting ratio. Cabernet Sauvignon counts for 54% of plantings, complemented by 37% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
Ormes de Pez Saint Estephe is made from 54% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.
Château Ormes de Pez 2020 displays deep garnet-purple color with notes of plum preserves and dark berries, plus hints of graphite. Nice chewiness to the texture and lovely freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note.
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Review:
"The brioche and cooked-apple and cream character really comes through here. Full-bodied and round with fine bubbles. Flavorful and intense. Vivid, bread-dough finish. This is four years on lees. 55% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot."
- James Suckling 93 Points
Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec.
The 2022 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows notes of plum, blackberry, licorice, chocolate, violet, and warm spice. Dark plum and black fruit carry through to the palate. Fresh and lively with plush tannins and a polished structure.
Review:
"A solid representation of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine sources fruit from St. Helena down to Carneros, with the bulk of the blend coming from the Wappo Hill property in Stags Leap. All five Bordeaux varieties are included in the blend. Fermentation begins with a cold soak in stainless steel, followed by 26 days on skins, and 18 months of ageing in 31% new French oak. The wine opens with powerful Kirsch aromatics, lifted by bright Bing cherry, warm baking spices, new wood cedar, and white pepper. It is plush and layered on the palate, with black-toned fruit and robust, lingering tannins that carry through a long finish of dark red and black fruit, warming spices, and mineral tension. A balanced expression of power and fruit-forward ripeness, this vintage showcases both depth and structure, making for a bold yet polished Napa Cabernet."
- Jonathan Cristaldi, February 2025 Pts. Decanter
A very good introduction to Napa Valley cabernet for drinkers who are unfamiliar. This offers ripe, generous red and black fruit on a velvety texture of fine-grained tannins. Black cherries, dark plums and blackberries come up in the aroma and then go deeper on the palate. Contains 7% petit verdot, 8% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Aged in all French barrels, 31% new, which add accents of cinnamon and cedar. Drink now or hold.
-James Suckling 92 Points