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. — 2 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

Nate Wall

Winemaker at Troon Vineyard

9.0

50% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache. Great texture. Berries, leather, anise. Tad of bitterness on finish, in an Italian kind of way. — 5 years ago

leon egozi

9.5

NY wine spectator event — 5 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

Brooke Comrie

10

Smooth but flavourful! Love this one — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

See previous notes 30 weeks ago. Very similar. Mid Lemon in colour. Citrus on the nose with grapefruit predominant. The palate is overall a little more lean than I would like - a little austere for a 7 year old Chardonnay - perhaps the grapes were picked a little too early? Still lively with that acid but could do with a little more mid palate fruit. Made by Brian Croser who used to be at Petaluma some years ago before he started Tapanappa in 2002 in conjunction with Bollinger and the Cazes Family of Lynch Bages in Pauillac. Brian was Decanters Man of the Year in 2004. — 6 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. — 8 months ago

Ellen Clifford

9.2

Purpley-blues satin energy! Linear, mineral, with bright acid grounded with a touch of ripe fruit weight—dark cherries and plums—then yet again cut by pomegranate. Love it. — 5 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