Chateau de Pez is one of the oldest winegrowing properties in Saint Estephe. Founded in the 15th century the estate didn’t achieve fame until the Pontac family acquired it nearly a century later, a famous Bordelais family that had founded the infamous Haut Brion. More recently, this cru bourgeois Chateau is owned and run by the prestigious Champagne house, Louis Roederer, makers of the iconic Cristal.

Chateau de Pez is a wine with all the hallmarks of a Grand Cru Classe, minus the price tag. Made of high proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with slight seasonings of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

This is a hefty, ballsy claret with a lot of clout. On the nose, it is wonderfully floral with soft berries and hints of leather and tobacco, but don’t let that deceive you! It really opens up into a powerhouse of a wine on the palate, showing brood dark fruits, suede, liquorice, meat and toast. The tannins are firm and rounded, balanced by the a-typical fresh acidity of a 2010 vintage. Power, concentration, structure, finesse and elegance in abundance. A cracking vintage in an equally impressive format. One to enjoy with very good friends!