A deep ruby color in the glass portends the deep black fruits wafting therefrom — black cherries, blackberries, and black plums, complimented by coarse mulch and leather. On the palate, fruit and earth meet again, with flavors of cherries and slate fading into a lingering bittersweet chocolate finish. Fine grained tannins provide structure while managing to be strikingly approachable, even at only a few years of age. Ormes de Pez represents an affordable entry point to the esteemed Saint-Estephe appellation that well out-drinks its price.
Chateau Ormes de Pez, Saint-Estèphe (Bordeaux, France) 2019
By John McDermott