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. — 5 days 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

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

leon egozi

9.5

NY wine spectator event — 3 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

#secondwine of #stemiliongrandcru first growth Château Chauvin. Absolutely an excellent wine for the price. 95% #merlot 5% #cabernetfranc , understated cassis and purple plum nose, medium plus body on the palate, pretty soft fruit balanced by bright acidity, some mineral undertones and soft tannins after 8 years of bottle age. — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2016 vintage. Jean-Michel Cazes (owner of famous Pauillac Cru Classé Lynch-Bages and more recently Haut-Batailley) bought this Minervois estate in 2002. This is the "grand vin", a blend of 70% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 20% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. A very spicy concentrated wine that is more about power than finesse. The colour is still deep dark red with hardly any sign of evolution. Intense spicy nose. Bold and powerful with black fruit hidden in spices. Long peppery finish. Take no prisoners. Abv. 14,5%. — 3 years ago

Joe Weinberger

9.1

Chewy and rustic. This wine craves food. — 5 years ago

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. — 6 months ago

Samuel Sabori

9.6

Wow. Brambly, crunchy, blackberries, clean, linear and expansive…. Subtle effervescence that held throughout the bottle. Buy all of them if you come across. It’s one of those bottles you ask, what else can you give? A very much perfect bottle but I can’t give 100 for some reason. — 3 years 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