ChâteauLesOrmesdePez,Saint-Estèphe2023EnPrimeur–Caseof6

To our minds (and taste) Ormes de Pez is often the most subdued, and therefore approachable, wine coming out of the Lynch-Bages stable. We tasted at the enormous, airport-esque edifice that is the new Lynch-Bages building, hoping that less is more. Possible this year it is. There’s a lovely spicy note on a black fruit nose, mulberry hit and a core of damson on the palate. Dense, stoney character yet a juicy side comes through too and there’s a well-knit, quite fresh feel on the finish. Very decent Saint-Estèphe.