Chateau de Pez St. Estephe Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau de Pez St. Estephe Bordeaux, with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, wine ratings, a history of the property, information on vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other Bordeaux wine producers: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau de Pez History, Overview

Chateau de Pez is perhaps the oldest Bordeaux wine-making estate in the Saint Estephe appellation. The only other Saint Estephe property with as much history is the neighboring vineyard of Chateau Calon Segur. The de Pez estate was created in 1452 by Jean de Briscos.

Chateau de Pez was later owned by the Pontac family. The Pontac family are known for creating the vineyard and estate that later became what we know of as Chateau Haut Brion in Pessac Leognan. Chateau de Pez became the property of the state during the French Revolution and was eventually sold at auction.

Like every vineyard in the Medoc, Chateau de Pez passed through a countless array of owners until it was purchased in 1995 by Jean-Claude Rouzaud. Rouzaud is best known for the Roederer Champagne house, the maker of the famous, high-end Champagne Cristal.

However, the Rouzaud family had several other important investments in Bordeaux including Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac, Chateau Bernadotte, and Chateau Haut-Beausejour, both of which are also located in Saint Estephe.

Since the estate was first purchased, Frederic Rouzaud has been in charge of making significant investments in improving the Left Bank vineyards and the wine-making facilities at Chateau de Pez.

Chateau de Pez Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 48 hectare Left Bank vineyard of Chateau de Pez, located in the north of the appellation, just due west of Chateau Calon Segur is planted to 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. All of the Malbec has been removed. The vineyard, which is in 1 large parcel of vines has a terroir of gravel, limestone, and clay soils.

The plantings shown here represent a marked increase in the amount of Merlot planted here, which helps add more softness to the wine. Until the mid-1990s, the vineyard was planted to about 70% Cabernet Sauvignon. The additional Merlot vines were added after the purchase by the Rouzaud family.

The vineyard of de Pez has good natural drainage because the slopes rise to almost 17 meters. The Saint Estephe vineyard of Chateau de Pez is planted to a vine density of 9,000 vines per hectare. The vines average 25 years of age.

In 2018, the chateau completed construction on an all-new, modernized cellar which allows for a parcel by parcel vinification.

To produce the wine of Chateau de Pez, vinification takes place in both traditional, large, oak, wood vats and conical, stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak and steel tanks. The wine is then aged in 40% new, French oak barrels for an average of 15 months before bottling. In most vintages, the production of Chateau de Pez is close to 18,500 cases per year.

The Best Vintages of Chateau de Pez are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003 and 2000.

When to Drink Chateau de Pez, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau de Pez can be enjoyed early. However, the wine is often better with at least a few years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. Chateau de Pez is usually best enjoyed in the first 10-18 years of life.

Young vintages can be decanted for 1-2 hours. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Serving Chateau de Pez with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau de Pez is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau de Pez is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes as well as mushrooms, pasta, and cheese. Chateau de Pez is also quite good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

www.chateaudepez.com

Château de Pez Wine Tasting Notes

23 Vintages 101,423 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
93
Opening with licorice, black cherries, flowers, and blackberries, you also find of spice on the back of the perfume. On the palate, the wine is round, fresh, fruity, and loaded with crushed rocks, and stones, finishing with layers of licorice, and salty, chewy, black currants. The wine blends 59% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. After 10 years of renovations, and work in the vineyards, this is the first vintage of de Pez offered as a future on the Place de Bordeaux. Drink from 2025-2037. 92-94 Pts.

Opening with licorice, black cherries, flowers, and blackberries, you also find of spice on the back of the perfume. On the palate, the wine is round, fresh, fruity, and loaded with crushed rocks, and stones, finishing with layers of licorice, and salty, chewy, black currants. The wine blends 59% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. After 10 years of renovations, and work in the vineyards, this is the first vintage of de Pez offered as a future on the Place de Bordeaux. Drink from 2025-2037. 92-94 Pts.

1,580 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Espresso, flowers, cherries, smoke red plums and spice in the perfume gets you focused on the wine. On the palate, the wine is round, supple, fresh and creamy, with loads of sweet, ripe, red fruits with a savory edge, along with a touch of chocolate that shows up at the end of the finish. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2025-2038.

Espresso, flowers, cherries, smoke red plums and spice in the perfume gets you focused on the wine. On the palate, the wine is round, supple, fresh and creamy, with loads of sweet, ripe, red fruits with a savory edge, along with a touch of chocolate that shows up at the end of the finish. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2025-2038.

93 Views   Tasted
Earthy clay and red fruits with touches of spice and leafy herbs on the nose lead you to a medium-bodied, earthy, chewy, savory, edged, dark red berry filled wine with an olive accent in the round, fruity finish. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2035. 90-92

Earthy clay and red fruits with touches of spice and leafy herbs on the nose lead you to a medium-bodied, earthy, chewy, savory, edged, dark red berry filled wine with an olive accent in the round, fruity finish. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2035. 90-92

1,206 Views   Tasted
2021
87
Medium-bodied, soft, forward, fruity and already open, you can enjoy this early-drinking charmer on release. Drink from 2023-2027. 86-88

Medium-bodied, soft, forward, fruity and already open, you can enjoy this early-drinking charmer on release. Drink from 2023-2027. 86-88

1,049 Views   Tasted
2020
93
Black currants, cedar, mint and cocoa show right off the bat in the nose. On the palate you find intensity, ripe, sweet, creamy blackberries, lift and length with a soft, engaging finish that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. This is probably the best vintage of Chateau de Pez I have ever tasted. Drink from 2024-2045.

Black currants, cedar, mint and cocoa show right off the bat in the nose. On the palate you find intensity, ripe, sweet, creamy blackberries, lift and length with a soft, engaging finish that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. This is probably the best vintage of Chateau de Pez I have ever tasted. Drink from 2024-2045.

789 Views   Tasted
The spicy character is just great here. Instantly it adds character and complexity to the perfectly ripe, juicy, fresh, red fruits. Soft, round and inviting, the ripeness and energy in the red berries keeps on going from the mid-palate straight through to the finish. 91-93 Pts

The spicy character is just great here. Instantly it adds character and complexity to the perfectly ripe, juicy, fresh, red fruits. Soft, round and inviting, the ripeness and energy in the red berries keeps on going from the mid-palate straight through to the finish. 91-93 Pts

1,217 Views   Tasted
2020
89
Forward, fresh and fruity, this medium-bodied, already fully-drinkable, red berry, soft textured charmer is ready to go for easy drinking pleasure. 88-90 Pts

Forward, fresh and fruity, this medium-bodied, already fully-drinkable, red berry, soft textured charmer is ready to go for easy drinking pleasure. 88-90 Pts

3,445 Views   Tasted
2020
89
Black and red fruits, cedar and spice combine on the nose and palate. The wine is medium-bodied, vibrant, and chewy, with a nice hit of crunchy red berries in the finish. Drink from 2023-2032.

Black and red fruits, cedar and spice combine on the nose and palate. The wine is medium-bodied, vibrant, and chewy, with a nice hit of crunchy red berries in the finish. Drink from 2023-2032.

462 Views   Tasted
2019
93
Quite floral in nature, the wine continues picking up steam with the addition of spice box, pepper, herbs, red and black currants and espresso bean on the nose. From there the wine is fresh, sweet and vibrant, with chewy fruit, creamy tannins and a long, fruit-packed finish with a touch of spice, dark cocoa and dusty tannins in the endnote. Drink from 2025-2039.

Quite floral in nature, the wine continues picking up steam with the addition of spice box, pepper, herbs, red and black currants and espresso bean on the nose. From there the wine is fresh, sweet and vibrant, with chewy fruit, creamy tannins and a long, fruit-packed finish with a touch of spice, dark cocoa and dusty tannins in the endnote. Drink from 2025-2039.

3,098 Views   Tasted
Flowers, spice, wet earth, cigar box and black currants on the nose work perfectly with the round, medium/full-bodied, rich wine on your palate. The blast of spicy currants and espresso on the mid-palate and finish makes this a stellar vintage for de Pez. The wine blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot reaching 14.3% ABV. 92-94 Pts

Flowers, spice, wet earth, cigar box and black currants on the nose work perfectly with the round, medium/full-bodied, rich wine on your palate. The blast of spicy currants and espresso on the mid-palate and finish makes this a stellar vintage for de Pez. The wine blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot reaching 14.3% ABV. 92-94 Pts

2,683 Views   Tasted
2018
93
Wet earth, spice box, tobacco, cedar and currants create the nose. On the palate, the wine is round, lush and fresh. Soft, with ample sweet, dark red fruits and a peppery kick in the back end, give this 4-6 years in the cellar before it is fully ready to go. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

Wet earth, spice box, tobacco, cedar and currants create the nose. On the palate, the wine is round, lush and fresh. Soft, with ample sweet, dark red fruits and a peppery kick in the back end, give this 4-6 years in the cellar before it is fully ready to go. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

2,053 Views   Tasted
The darkest color ever seen at de Pez! From there it takes just a single sip to know this is a special wine. The fruits are just as dark as the hue which produces a generous, fleshy, ripe, full-bodied wine. The black cherries come in sprays before the spice, cocoa, espresso, licorice and vibrancy kicks in. Energy and elegance is here in spades. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 92-94 Pts

The darkest color ever seen at de Pez! From there it takes just a single sip to know this is a special wine. The fruits are just as dark as the hue which produces a generous, fleshy, ripe, full-bodied wine. The black cherries come in sprays before the spice, cocoa, espresso, licorice and vibrancy kicks in. Energy and elegance is here in spades. The wine blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 92-94 Pts

3,052 Views   Tasted
2017
90
Medium-bodied with a jolt of juicy, bright, sweet, spicy, red berries at its core, you can drink this with just a year or two of aging. The wine is made from a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and an even split of 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc to round things out.

Medium-bodied with a jolt of juicy, bright, sweet, spicy, red berries at its core, you can drink this with just a year or two of aging. The wine is made from a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and an even split of 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc to round things out.

2,194 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied with a polish to the fruits, the wine is delicate with a waft of cedar, tobacco leaf and a cassis finish – enjoy this wine while it is young.

Medium bodied with a polish to the fruits, the wine is delicate with a waft of cedar, tobacco leaf and a cassis finish – enjoy this wine while it is young.

2,014 Views   Tasted
2016
92
Full bodied, fresh and focused on its layers of sweet, ripe, luscious, dark fruits, the wine offers a nice depth of flavor and real character.

Full bodied, fresh and focused on its layers of sweet, ripe, luscious, dark fruits, the wine offers a nice depth of flavor and real character.

3,434 Views   Tasted
Dusky in color with equally dusky fruits on the nose and in the mouth, this wine has more softness than usual with round, silky berries, plum and licorice in the finish.

Dusky in color with equally dusky fruits on the nose and in the mouth, this wine has more softness than usual with round, silky berries, plum and licorice in the finish.

2,850 Views   Tasted
2015
88
Medium bodied, with fresh red fruits and tobacco leaf on the nose. The finish is crisp and bright with a spicy, red berry ending.

Medium bodied, with fresh red fruits and tobacco leaf on the nose. The finish is crisp and bright with a spicy, red berry ending.

2,738 Views   Tasted
With tobacco and crisp, red fruits, this medium-bodied wine delivers a fresh, bright, spicy finish in a forward style. 87 - 89 Pts

With tobacco and crisp, red fruits, this medium-bodied wine delivers a fresh, bright, spicy finish in a forward style. 87 - 89 Pts

2,894 Views   Tasted
2014
89
Truffle, earth, burnt wood and dark red fruits open to a forward, easy to like, dark berry and wet earth filled wine that can be enjoyed in its youth.

Truffle, earth, burnt wood and dark red fruits open to a forward, easy to like, dark berry and wet earth filled wine that can be enjoyed in its youth.

2,550 Views   Tasted
With tobacco and dark berries on the nose, this medium-bodied wine delivers a fresh berry and spice finish, offering a lot of charm for the money. 88-90 Pts

With tobacco and dark berries on the nose, this medium-bodied wine delivers a fresh berry and spice finish, offering a lot of charm for the money. 88-90 Pts

2,586 Views   Tasted
2013
85
Medium bodied, fresh, bright red fruits and a tart cranberry and cherry note are found in this wine.

Medium bodied, fresh, bright red fruits and a tart cranberry and cherry note are found in this wine.

2,792 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied, gritty tannins and a bright, spicy, red berry character that will be best in its youth. 84-86 Pts

Medium bodied, gritty tannins and a bright, spicy, red berry character that will be best in its youth. 84-86 Pts

1,546 Views   Tasted
2012
88
Medium bodied, slightly rustic, bright red fruits and earth are found in this blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Medium bodied, slightly rustic, bright red fruits and earth are found in this blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

1,693 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied, rustic tannins and focused on red berries, with a short finish. 86-88 Pts

Medium bodied, rustic tannins and focused on red berries, with a short finish. 86-88 Pts

2,040 Views   Tasted
2011
88
From a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine is medium bodied with black cherries, earth and vanilla notes. This is already easy to taste, with its open personality.

From a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the wine is medium bodied with black cherries, earth and vanilla notes. This is already easy to taste, with its open personality.

3,858 Views   Tasted
Cassis, wood and earth. Medium-bodied with a soft, earthy, bright cassis finish. 87-89 Pts

Cassis, wood and earth. Medium-bodied with a soft, earthy, bright cassis finish. 87-89 Pts

3,031 Views   Tasted
2010
89
Coming along, the wine needs more time for its crisp, fresh, cassis and red plum profile, spice, earth and tobacco can develop. At the moment, the tannins remain a bit firm. Give it time or air.

Coming along, the wine needs more time for its crisp, fresh, cassis and red plum profile, spice, earth and tobacco can develop. At the moment, the tannins remain a bit firm. Give it time or air.

4,015 Views   Tasted
2010 de Pez From a blend of 52.5% Cabernet Sauvignon paired with 47.5 Merlot, (which is almost the exact assemblage as they used in Haut Beausejour), the wine shows fresh blackberry, licorice, stone and spice aromas. Full bodied with fresh dark berry flavors on the palate, the wine ends with a cassis filled finish. 90-92 Pts

2010 de Pez From a blend of 52.5% Cabernet Sauvignon paired with 47.5 Merlot, (which is almost the exact assemblage as they used in Haut Beausejour), the wine shows fresh blackberry, licorice, stone and spice aromas. Full bodied with fresh dark berry flavors on the palate, the wine ends with a cassis filled finish. 90-92 Pts

2,700 Views   Tasted
2009
90
Dark berry and earthy aromas pair with muscular tannins. From a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, the wine demands a few years of bottle age to flesh out.

Dark berry and earthy aromas pair with muscular tannins. From a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, the wine demands a few years of bottle age to flesh out.

4,876 Views   Tasted
Chocolate covered blackberries, cassis, earth, and truffle make up the aromas. This sweet, rich, round wine ends with a mouthful of chocolate covered cassis. This is the finest wine I've ever tasted from de Pez.

Chocolate covered blackberries, cassis, earth, and truffle make up the aromas. This sweet, rich, round wine ends with a mouthful of chocolate covered cassis. This is the finest wine I've ever tasted from de Pez.

6,579 Views   Tasted
de Pez starts off with chocolate, blackberry, and earth aromas. Rich, sweet, ripe, and round, the wine ends with dark berries, cassis, and cocoa. 89/91 Pts

de Pez starts off with chocolate, blackberry, and earth aromas. Rich, sweet, ripe, and round, the wine ends with dark berries, cassis, and cocoa. 89/91 Pts

6,480 Views   Tasted
2008
89
Medium bodied, earthy and already showing secondary aromas of forest floor, spice and tobacco, coupled with its blackberry and red plum character. The wine was made from a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.

Medium bodied, earthy and already showing secondary aromas of forest floor, spice and tobacco, coupled with its blackberry and red plum character. The wine was made from a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.

3,454 Views   Tasted
2006
87
Fully mature, slightly firm, medium-bodied, earthy, spicy, bright, red berry, cedar and tobacco filled wine that is ready for drinking today.

Fully mature, slightly firm, medium-bodied, earthy, spicy, bright, red berry, cedar and tobacco filled wine that is ready for drinking today.

1,943 Views   Tasted
2005
88
Fully mature, medium bodied, lacking in refinement, but not pleasure, the wine easily shows off its dark cherries, plums, spice box, wet earth and tobacco character. Drink this now, or age it another year or two, this is already showing nice, and does not need or want more aging.

Fully mature, medium bodied, lacking in refinement, but not pleasure, the wine easily shows off its dark cherries, plums, spice box, wet earth and tobacco character. Drink this now, or age it another year or two, this is already showing nice, and does not need or want more aging.

2,728 Views   Tasted
2004
86
Fully mature, medium bodied, more red fruit than black, this earthy, tobacco, leafy scented wine requires drinking over the next few years.

Fully mature, medium bodied, more red fruit than black, this earthy, tobacco, leafy scented wine requires drinking over the next few years.

4,903 Views   Tasted
2003
90
Fully mature, there is a voluptuous character to the earthy, dark, red fruits, with touches of wet earth, tobacco, thyme and spice. Medium/full bodied, with round textures, freshness and a nice feeling in the, deep red, berry finish, there is no reason for further aging.

Fully mature, there is a voluptuous character to the earthy, dark, red fruits, with touches of wet earth, tobacco, thyme and spice. Medium/full bodied, with round textures, freshness and a nice feeling in the, deep red, berry finish, there is no reason for further aging.

3,829 Views   Tasted
2000
89
Medium-bodied, earthy, dusty, and with a nice mix of red and black fruits, the wine is soft, round, spicy and in its core, you find cedar, cigar box, spice, and chewy currants. No decanting is needed, just pop and pour here.

Medium-bodied, earthy, dusty, and with a nice mix of red and black fruits, the wine is soft, round, spicy and in its core, you find cedar, cigar box, spice, and chewy currants. No decanting is needed, just pop and pour here.

2,969 Views   Tasted