Ormes de Pez 2022

Trace of gunsmoke on the opening, needs a moment to clear and open to show the rich ripe brambled fruit. This is enjoyable, orange peel, mandarin, pomegranate, cloves, flash of crème de cassis on the finish. 45% new oak for ageing, 40ha vineyard, Cazes family owners.

51% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.Restrained dark- and red-fruit nose. Good mid-palate weight and extract. Firm tannic frame. Powerful but misses a little freshness. (JL)Drink 2029– 2040

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.

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-Estèphe, 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 élevage to knit it all together. 2027-2044

A juicy and fruity red with blackberry, black cherry and chocolate character. Full and round with freshness and intensity. Very spicy. Black olives, too. 51% merlot, 39% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.

In line with the rest of the St Estèphe 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.