Les Ormes de Pez St-Estèphe 2018 375ml

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "The estate is under the same ownership as Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac. Rich and smoky, this sophisticated, rich wine has some serious tannins as well as black fruits. The wine shows great pedigree, with dark berry fruits and a firm, ageworthy structure. Drink from 2026. Alcohol 14.5%. (May 2021)"

93-94 points James Suckling): "This is very dense and lively with blueberry and blackberry character. Lots of purple fruit at the end. Full body and powerful tannins. Spicy undertones with hints of black tea. (4/2/19)"

93 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Beautiful aromatics, this is thoroughly enjoyable with brambles and hawthorn that give focus and lift. 45% new oak. 3.57pH. Brilliant value, as ever. Drinking Window: 2023-2036. (11/10/20)"

93 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Very charming, the 2018 is in line with previous vintages, with a lovely richness on the mid-palate and very smooth, refined tannins. A sure bet. (Jan 2022)"

93 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Attractive fresh black forest berry fruit, mineral, cherries, candied orange zest. Juicy, ripe plums, pronounced fruit core, a breath of apricot, ripe tannins, good length, sure development potential. (5/23/19)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Emerging from the team at Lynch-Bages, the 2018 Château Ormes De Pez checks in as 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all brought up in just 45% new French oak. Lots of perfumed blue fruits, leafy tobacco, cedar, and spring flowers emerge from the glass, and it has a rocking core of sweet fruit balanced by ripe tannins and nicely integrated acidity. This fresh, lively, perfumed Saint-Estèphe is going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25+ in cold cellars. Drink: 2024-2046. (3/11/21)"

92 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "From the Cazes family, of Château Lynch-Bages, I am delighted to have the opportunity to taste this, as I don’t encounter it as frequently as I would like to. The move to a less prestigious terroir is perhaps reflected in the blend, where Merlot dominates (just) at 50% of the total, with Cabernet Sauvignon, which did so well in this vintage, coming in at 42%. The nose is expressive, laden with scented fruits, the berries of the summer hedgerow, mixed with wild black cherry, hawthorn and black liquorice. The palate takes it up a notch even from this, with plenty of creamed fruit substance, a plush texture with a wall-to-wall carpet of tannins, and a little exoticism to the fruit which mirrors the nose. Distinctive and cellar-worthy. The alcohol here, by the way, is 14.6%. (Feb 2021)"