The 2009 vintage was excellent in Bordeaux, delivering ripe, powerful, yet refined wines thanks to ideal ripening conditions. This Ormes de Pez shows a dense ruby/purple color, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, plum, incense, barbecue smoke, black pepper, crème de cassis, earthy/mineral notes, cedar, licorice, and subtle floral or herbal tones.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, rich and fruity with supple/silky tannins, low-to-moderate acidity, round texture, juicy black and red berry fruit, and a lingering mineral or spicy finish. It has a modern, hedonistic, opulent style for Saint-Estèphe—approachable early but with enough structure and extract to age. Critics describe it as fruity, pleasurable, polished, and food-friendly, with ripe tannins and good density.
Critics Reviews (Selected Scores and Notes):
- Wine Spectator: 92 points — Often highlighted for its quality in the vintage.
- Wine Enthusiast: 92 points — “A delicious wine, so fruity. It does have the proper tannins but it is a wine that is already approachable with its sweet fruits—a pleasure to taste.”
- Robert Parker / Wine Advocate: 89 points — Medium to full-bodied, silky tannins, low acidity; attractive and hedonistic, should drink well for at least a decade.
- James Suckling: 92 points — Notes ripeness, lightness, harmonious dryness, and food-friendliness.
- Other notes (The Wine Cellar Insider, Neal Martin, Jancis Robinson, etc.): Generally 89–93 range, praising juicy/spicy fruit, round tannins, black fruit, earthiness, and readiness for prime drinking with light decanting. Some describe it as opulent, creamy, with lingering mineral/herbal finish.
Overall average around 90–92 points across critics; it performed well in the strong 2009 vintage.
Food Pairings:
This is a versatile, food-friendly Bordeaux red. Classic matches include:
- Red meats — Grilled or roasted lamb, beef (steak, roast, venison), game.
- Other — Mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, or hearty stews.
Its ripe fruit, supple tannins, and balanced structure pair especially well with lamb or beef, cutting through fat while complementing savory/earthy notes. Avoid very delicate fish or overly spicy dishes
Drink Window
- Current status (2026): In a good drinking phase—many notes from the 2010s–2020s call it approachable, softening, and at or near prime. It has evolved nicely from its riper, fruit-forward youth.
- General window: ~2013–2040 (some optimistic projections go further; others suggest peak enjoyment through the late 2030s). Drink now through the mid-to-late 2030s for optimal balance of fruit and secondary development. Light decanting (30–60 minutes) helps if young or to open it up.
