Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Ormes de Pez - 2017

Château Ormes de Pez 2017, from the renowned Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc, is a classic expression of left bank claret. While precise proportions of grape varieties are difficult to confirm unequivocally, Saint-Estèphe reds typically weave together Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This vintage is shaped by a relatively cool, late-ripening year, lending the wine both intensity and freshness. Expect a nose defined by blackcurrant, cassis, and plum, with hints of graphite, cedar, and subtle spice from traditional élevage in French oak barrels. The palate is structured and robust, with firm yet ripe tannins, a hallmark of both the appellation and the specific terroir of Ormes de Pez, which combines gravels over clay and limestone.

Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the major Médoc appellations, and its wines are noted for their power, longevity, and earthy character. Here, the proximity to the Gironde estuary tempers the Atlantic climate, while the soils—particularly the prevalence of clay—offer both warmth and water retention, ideal for late-ripening grapes. Historically, Saint-Estèphe has delivered some of the most consistent and ageworthy wines of the Médoc, striking a fine balance between opulent fruit and mineral tension.

Given its depth and structure, this wine will pair beautifully with rich, savoury dishes. Classic Bordeaux pairings include roast lamb with garlic and herbs, rib of beef, or duck breast with a red wine reduction. Regional specialties such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or wild mushroom tart also compliment the wine’s earthy complexity and firm tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine an hour before serving to allow it to breathe and express its full aromatic potential. Serve at a temperature between 16-18°C. If you choose to cellar it further, Château Ormes de Pez 2017 has the structure to develop additional complexity over the next decade.