In 2022 this was one of the real values of the vintage, and it has hit it out of the park again in 2023. More austerity to the tannins than it showed last year, but with greater verve and balance, and juicy depths to the blueberry, cassis and raspberry fruits, wrapped in tannins that offer support but don`t get in the way of drinkabilty. Owned by the Champagne house Louis Roederer since 1995. 50% new oak for ageing, with time in oak extended again as in 2022. 3.6ph. 93 points

The 2023 de Pez represents another important step for the property. The team, led by Pichon Comtesse Technical Director Nicolas Glumineau, continues to work toward a more refined style than in the past. Black cherry, plum, licorice and mocha fill out the layers nicely. There`s still plenty of Saint-Estephe breadth, but these days, the tannins show greater polish. Floral overtones extend the finish. Tasted three times. 90-93 points

The 2023 de Pez confirms the progress taking place at this address. As readers may remember, this estate has now been fully restructured and serves as something of a research and development laboratory for its sibling, Pichon Lalande, and director Nicolas Glumineau and his team have been working to bring more precision and purity to the wine. Offering up aromas of cassis, violets and pencil shavings, framed by nicely integrated new oak, it`s medium to full-bodied, polished and suave, with a layered core of sweet, vibrant fruit framed by ripe, powdery tannins. 91-93 points

The 2023 Château de Pez has a refined bouquet that demands some coaxing from the glass. It shyly reveals black brambly fruit, a hint of melted tar and black tea, very pure in style as it gradually finds its voice. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins and good backbone. Fresh, with admirable salinity, it just needs a little more cohesion on the finish (though a second bottle at Pichon Lalande showed exactly that). This is a very fine Saint-Estèphe. 90-92 points