The 2022 Chateau de Pez, which was affected by hail in June, now undergoes a gentler extraction and aged in barrels from different coopers than previously. It has a classy, well-defined bouquet with crushed stone, truffle and black fruit aromas unfolding neatly on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and tertiary in style like a Saint-Estèphe ought to be, with firm tannins, gentle grip and a dash of cracked black pepper on the finish. This is excellent. 93 points

The 2022 de Pez is a stellar wine. Plum, blood orange, exotic spice, cedar and new leather fill out the layers. Technical Director Nicolas Glumineau has increased the focus at Pez through stricter selection in the field and greater attention in the winery - something made easier with the new cellar. Among other things, the team also lengthened elevage to 18 months from the more typical 12-15 months. The 2022 is a major step forward at Pez. 94 points

Austerity is your friend in an En Primeur sample as long as there is juice and fruit, and here you have both things in abundance. Brilliant wine, absolutely one to look out for, has steely minerality that offsets the plump fruit character and intense tannic structure, this is concentrated but understated, everthing in proportion. First time on the Place this year, as before it was sold via an exclusivity. First vintage with new cellar also. Tasted twice, this is a buy. 26hl/h yield, half of usual, 50% new oak for ageing. 94 points

From an estate that has now been fully restructured and which serves as something of a research and development laboratory for its sibling, Pichon Lalande, the 2022 de Pez exhibits aromas of sweet blackberries and cherries mingled with spices and violets. Medium to full-bodied, rich and lively, with powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish, some 40% of the production was lost to hail. For the first time, it will be sold en primeur via the place de Bordeaux. 90-92 points