A benchmark of Saint-Estèphe, the Château de Pez 2015 follows in the footsteps of Médoc greats, offering a full-bodied, noble expression that celebrates the terroir. From a sun-drenched, well-managed vintage, this red wine from the Saint-Estèphe AOP reveals the soul of the gravelly clay-limestone soils, where depth meets the ocean's austerity to sculpt a noble, upright structure. Classified Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, it bears the mark of precise élevage in French oak barrels that refines the material without dominating it, and of careful harvesting to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The estate, linked to the Rouzaud family, cultivates a patient, artisanal vision of winemaking, favouring balance and tension over showiness. The result is a cuvée that combines density, freshness and contour, with an aromatic range of black fruits, a discreet minerality and ripe tannins seamlessly integrated. At the table, its impeccable posture and persistence make it a natural companion for substantial meats, and a cellar-worthy wine that will evolve gracefully over the years.

Blend and winemaking

The framework of the Château de Pez 2015 is built on a precisely calibrated blend, where Merlot (51%) brings generous flesh and tactile softness, while Cabernet Sauvignon (44%) provides verticality, length and ageing potential. Petit Verdot (3%) injects extra energy and spicy tension, while Cabernet Franc (2%) adds a floral, delicately mentholated note. The vines, averaging 25 years old, root in graveleux argilo-calcaires that define Saint-Estèphe's upright character. Harvesting is done by hand to select the best grapes. After maceration in stainless-steel tanks to extract colour, aromas and tannins with precision, the wine is aged 14 months in French oak barrels. This measured élevage wraps the fruit in a fine, elegant oak, with nuances of sweet spices and cedar without ever masking the purity of the juice. The result is a wine both structured and caressing, crafted to stand the test of time with confidence.

Notes de dégustation

• Appearance : Deep ruby with garnet highlights, dense and profound, betraying serious concentration. The brightness of the disc and colour intensity signal a generous vintage, supported by ripe, well-defined material.
• Nose : A precise bouquet of blackcurrant and black cherry, followed by notes of blackberry, violet and graphite. On aeration emerge touches of cedar, light tobacco and a mineral edge that give relief and sophistication to the whole.
• Palate : Broad, velvety entry, ripe and perfectly rounded tannins. The mid-palate, dense and well-paced, unfurls juicy black fruit supported by mineral freshness. The finish, long and persistent, combines uprightness and elegance, with a subtle saline return.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve the Château de Pez 2015 between 16 and 18°C in large glasses to release its bouquet and highlight the finesse of its texture. Opening the bottle a few minutes before service will allow the wine to reach its full aromatic potential. Store bottles on their side in a cool cellar, protected from light and temperature fluctuations, to preserve the fruit's integrity and the structure's vitality. This cuvée has the temperament of a cellar wine, which allows enjoyment on its fruit today but also a beautiful evolution over time, as the tannic framework gains silkiness and complexity.

Food pairings

• Starters : country terrine with pistachios, beef carpaccio, aged country ham.
• Main courses : grilled rib of beef, rack of lamb with herb crust, roast duck breast.
• Game : braised pheasant, venison in a reduced sauce, hearth-roasted wood pigeon.
• Sides : pan-fried porcini, potato gratin (gratin dauphinois), rosemary-scented melting potatoes.
• Cheeses : aged Comté, farmhouse Saint-Nectaire, Tomme de Savoie, Brie with a melting centre.

Tasting occasions

Château de Pez 2015 is the ideal companion:

• For an elegant Sunday lunch, where a fine piece of meat and the art of living are celebrated.
• At a gourmet dinner with classic pairings, when precise service and attention to detail enhance the meal.
• As a connoisseur's gift, intended for a Bordeaux lover seeking a balanced and promising Saint-Estèphe.

Caractéristiques

• Name : Château de Pez 2015 Saint-Estèphe AOP
• Appellation : Saint-Estèphe AOP
• Type : Red wine, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Vintage : 2015
• Grape varieties : Merlot 51%, Cabernet Sauvignon 44%, Petit Verdot 3%, Cabernet Franc 2%
• Alcohol : 13.5%
• Aging : 14 months in French oak barrels
• Volume : 75 cl
• Cellaring : Age-worthy wine, notable ageing potential
• Serving temperature : 16–18°C