Exhibiting aromas of rich cassis, pencil shavings and petals, the 2022 Ormes de Pez is medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a deep core of fruit and plenty of powdery structuring tannin. It`s a blend of 51% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 90-92 points

In line with the rest of the St Estephe appellation in terms of its plum colour and vivid violet rim, this is already promising to be easy to drink, with supple velvet tannins, cocoa bean, caramel, sweet blackberry fruits, fig tart, patisserie cream, spice red peppers, it retains the appealingly unfussy welcome of Ormes de Pez even with the ripe signatures of the vintage. Blend finished February. Quantity down 40% after hail in June. 45% new oak. 93 points

The 2022 Ormes de Pez is bold, pungent and savory, in classic Saint-Estephe style. Gravel, cured meats, spice and leather give the 2022 a good bit of aromatic and flavor complexity. Medium in body, with good depth, the 2022 has a ton to offer. This is a terrific showing. Tasted two times. 91-93 points

The 2022 Ormes de Pez is matured in 45% new oak for a planned 16 months. It has a perfumed and floral bouquet, quite sensual for a Saint-Estephe, developing blue fruit with time in the glass. The oak is neatly enmeshed. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a high-toned and racy opening. Good acidity, the Merlot (51%) occupies the driving seat and ensures its silky-textured finish, a mote of chalk dust on the aftertaste. Just needs its elevage to knit it all together. 92-94 points