Château Ormes de Pez, St Estèphe, 2021
This estate has been part of the Cazes family stable since 1940. The soils have a lot of clay, perfect for early ripening Merlot, which always makes up the lion’s share of the blend, producing a reliably powerful, succulent and approachable style. The 2021 boasts a pure blackcurrant nose, with layers of black fruit on the palate, punctuated by a hint of blackberry pie and vanilla sweetness. The tannins are smooth; a hint of creaminess fills out the mid-palate. This is refined and very balanced.