Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château Ormes de Pez 2023 – Saint-Estèphe. BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
An approachable and easy-drinking Bordeaux red from the Cazes family (Lynch-Bages lineage), offering a friendly, polished expression designed for immediate pleasure rather than intensity. The 47% Cabernet-driven blended with 39% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot delivers clean fruit, gentle structure, and balanced freshness, making it an ideal casual and versatile claret.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, blackcurrant, plum skin, light cedar, subtle graphite, dried herbs, soft cocoa and gentle spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with smooth entry, soft tannins, moderate acidity, easy mid-palate flow, and a clean, uncomplicated finish that stays friendly and accessible.

Food Pairings
Burgers, roast chicken, grilled sausages, pizza, casual bistro fare, semi-soft cheeses, weeknight comfort foods.

Verdict
A reliable, crowd-pleasing Saint-Estèphe that emphasizes drinkability and balance over depth and complexity. A well-made, approachable red for casual enjoyment and broad appeal.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is a cruising wine, safe lines, smooth handling, and zero surprises. Perfect when you want something dependable, easygoing, and friendly on the palate without needing full focus or contemplation. — 4 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

8.9

2016 vintage. 65% Sauvignon blanc with 35% Sémillon. At the time this estate was owned by Jean-Michel Cazes (Lynch Bages and more recently Haut-Batailley), but the current owners are the Groupe Ballande (Bordeaux négociants who also own Prieuré Lichine and Baret). Exotic fruit and a hint of flowers. Round and ripe with enough acidity in this warm vintage. Good length with impressions of vanilla. Good value. — 5 years ago

Mario Vaillancourt

9.0

Red berries, a touch of cinnamon and spices. Fresh, elegant, lots of energy, nice soft tannins, well balanced, the most approchable and less powerful of all the premier crus from JM Vincent, very good, drank in a flash. 89-90

Fruits, rouges, touche de canelle. Frais, fin, énergique avec des tannins présents mais tellement approchables en ce moment, bien équilibré et le moins puissant des premiers crus de ce domaine, très bon, ça se boit tout seul. 89-90
— 6 years ago

leon egozi

9.5

NY wine spectator event — 7 months ago

Pooneet K

9.1

Have CdP somewhat rarely now but was curious to try this both because it’s 2016 and because it’s now owned by the Cazes family of Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux and who have been extremely hospitable to us in the past. Was skeptical of the 15% labeled abv but I think this is in a great place with a bit of a chill. The fruit is quite powerful, but in a great way, and nothing is overbearing. Perfect with skirt steak off the grill. — 3 years ago

Justin Hart

9.4

The red mtn fruit is dominant here, bright red fruit, intense minerality, and grippy tannins. Ripe cherry, figs, and a hint of currants... yum! — 5 years ago

with Cherish and Jen

Jeffrey Woo

9.5

Deep, burnt orange hue. Aromas and flavors of beeswax, dried fruit, honey, marmalade, and preserves. The palate is reminiscent of baklava (with nutty, honey, and date notes). An exemplary dessert wine that should be served in a pairing. 100% Grenache Blanc. — 10 months ago

Felix Salmon

9.7

Truly spectacular — 2019 — 4 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

This estate was bought in 1988 buy Jean-Michel Cazes (Lynch Bages and more recently Haut-Batailley) and sold in 2017 to the Balland family (Baret). 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged in used Lynch Bages barrels. This 2014 is in a very good place now, but should age well for a few more years. Fresh and elegant, with typical Graves spiciness. Not the most complex but a very solid and seductive effort for the vintage. — 5 years ago

Justin Hart

9.4

Still tight at this point - could go another 5 years at least - beautiful rose, pie cherry and coco notes on the nose. Lots of tannic grip still. Cherry Cola, baking spices and white pepper on the palette. ❤️ — 6 years ago

with Cherish and Jen