This wine is powerfully concentrated and rich. Bold black fruits dominate, bringing the tannins along with them. Drink the wine from 2024.

The 2017 de Pez is deep garnet-purple in color with quite a spicy nose giving notions of black pepper, anise, fenugreek and cloves over a core of blackberries and cassis with touches of forest floor and truffles. The palate is medium-bodied with a good intensity of black fruits and firm, grainy tannins plus seamless freshness, finishing peppery.

The 2017 de Pez is a pleasant Saint-Estèphe to drink now and over the next handful of years. Élevage (12 months in 30% new oak) has brought out a level of finesse the 2017 did not show from barrel. At the same time, while the 2017 has gained in elegance it has also lost some of the richness it showed en primeur. The 2017 is floral, gracious and medium in body, with tobacco and cedar as well as sweet red berry fruit and floral notes that add brightness on the subtle, silky finish. The 2017 is very nicely done, but I find it a bit light in structure; this is a wine to drink on the young side.

The 2017 Chateau De Pez is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 12 months in one-third new oak. It offers a healthy ruby hue to go with attractive notes of black currants, black cherries, dried herbs, and damp earth. Nicely textured, medium-bodied, and balanced, it has plenty of upfront charm yet should evolve for 10-15 years.

Fresh and open in feel, with damson plum, bitter cherry, lilac and iron notes. Shows good cut and a textbook profile for the appellation, but remains moderate in scale. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2024.