Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2015 de Pez is dark, powerful and super-inviting. A rush of black cherry, plum, chocolate, gravel and smoke run though this gorgeous, delineated Saint Estèphe. Today, the Pez is virile, tannic and imposing, with noble character and personality to burn. The 2015 has really grown since I last tasted it. This is superb effort for the vintage, but my impression is that the best is yet to come for this chateau, where quality continues to grow. The 2015 is 51% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

Lovely aromatics of ripe black fruits edged with violet flowers and smoked cedar. This is powerful, you feel the punch and the sense of momentum, impressive grip that opens up to show charcoal, chocolate and slate, lovely balance and character, young but starting to open up, full of class and appellation signature. One of the values of the tasting. Harvest September 20 to October 18, lasting almost a full calendar month.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

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.

Experience the superior quality craftsmanship of 'De Pez 2019', a testament to true Bordeaux mastery from one of St. Estephe's oldest vineyards. Meticulously produced at Château de Pez, a keen emphasis is laid on environmentally friendly agriculture and hand harvesting to inspire, realise and winnow the best produce. Devotion in every detail results in a wine that mirrors the terroir's authenticity.

Alluringly deep ruby in appearance, the De Pez 2019 presents a complex blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Matured in French oak barrels, it exudes profound notes of ripe red fruits adorned with hints of tobacco and spicy undertones. On the palate, it delivers a captivating combination of deep fruitiness mingled with polished tannins, culminating in an alluringly long finish. This full-bodied red orchestrates a symphony of taste, true to its Bordeaux lineage.

Unquestionably, De Pez 2019 is a benchmark exemplar of refined winemaking; a timeless choice for devotees of exceptional Bordeaux wines.

James Suckling (93-94)

A beautiful Pez with a solid core of fruit and creamy, refined tannins. It

James Suckling (93-94)

A beautiful Pez with a solid core of fruit and creamy, refined tannins. It

James Suckling (93-94)

A beautiful Pez with a solid core of fruit and creamy, refined tannins. It

Wine Spectator (92)

Extremely pretty and perfumed, with velvety tannins and rich, spicy blueberry flavors. Not a huge wine, but gorgeous. Drink after 1997. 18,500 cases made.

Wine & Spirit Magazine (93)

This has the powerful damson-plum intensity of great cabernet sauvignon grown in the northern Médoc. The tannins are black but not aggressive, their stoniness cushioned by layers of fruit. There's also an umami character, something like woodland mushroom and the savory skin of tiny wild cherries. An elegant wine performing at the top of its terroir, this will be delicious around eight to 12 years from the vintage.

Vinous - Ian D'Agata (87-90)

Good full red. Spicy, oak-influenced aromas of luscious ripe plum, mocha and coffee. Juicy and sweet in the mouth, with harmonious acidity framing the chewy red fruit and dried violet flavors. Finishes with serious, slightly dusty tannins and excellent length. Impressively fruity, but I worry about this wine's tannic bite. Hopefully, the tannins with smooth out enough over time.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92+)

Tasting, the 2014 Haut Marbuzet has a potent marine influence on the nose, hints of kelp and mudflats infusing the blackberry and bilberry fruit, becoming more brine-like with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with dusty tannin, moderate acidity, finally mustering some fleshiness towards the peppery finish. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Wine Enthusiast (93)

The structure of this wine is firm, in a classic Saint-Estèphe style. Yet at the same time, the fruit is so generous, with a ripe layer of black currants and contrasting acidity.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2020 Haut-Marbuzet is open and attractive on the nose, less heavy and toasty than recent vintages. Pure black cherry and raspberry fruit with light iris petal and Indian ink scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite lithe and supple, gently building to a prudently spiced finish. Excellent.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)

The 2021 Haut-Marbuzet is another fabulous wine from the Duboscq family. Potent and layered, with terrific precision, Haut-Marbuzet is loaded with personality. Red-fleshed fruit, blood orange, hard candy, mint and rose petal come alive in the glass. The 2021 possesses striking inner sweetness and terrific balance. I loved it.

Wine Spectator (91)

Concentrated wine. Intense aromas of grilled meat, spice and plum skin. Full-bodied, with big silky tannins and lots of fruit. Long and chewy. Best after 2007. 11,165 cases made. -JS

Wine Advocate (91)

Dense ruby/purple and still youthful and exuberant, with oodles of cassis and incense, the 2005 Lafon-Rochet is medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin and a long finish. Just becoming approachable, this wine should continue to drink well for another 10-15 years.

Jancis Robinson (17)

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Started organic viticulture and moving towards biodynamics – but still not certified. Very deep crimson. Exotic and polished nose. Inky and sweet and rather gorgeous. Lots of energy here. Good tannin quality. Long and opulent. Not the most characteristic of the appellation but lots of pleasure.

Vinous - Neal Martin (90)

The 2011 Lafon-Rochet has a rather straightlaced but well defined bouquet demonstrating good fruit concentration for the growing season, brown spices infusing the mainly red fruit, melted tar and sage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, quite fleshy and fresh, gentle grip with a lightly spiced but quite persistent finish. This is perfect to drink now. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2016 Lafon-Rochet has a very engaging bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with pencil shavings and loamy scents. In fact, the more you nose this wine, the more its complexity becomes apparent. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine line of acidity, ripe and generous yet maintaining outstanding tension and revealing a judicious touch of peppercorns on the finish, which fans out gloriously. This is a fabulous Lafon-Rochet and certainly the best bottle of 2016 that I have encountered. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

Decanter (93)

This is a lovely St-Estèphe this year, firm and bright with bristling fruit right out of the gate - hugely unusual to see that this year. This is one of my favourites, and is totally charming with its cassis and damson fruit, but it's the juice and friendly tension that sets it apart. Silky and enjoyable. Buy.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2018 Lafon-Rochet is such a classy wine. Power and finesse meld together in this Saint-Estèphe that is gorgeous, right from the very first taste. Black cherry, herbs, leather, licorice and dried flowers all build in the glass. In 2018, Lafon-Rochet is richer and bolder than it usually is, and yet all the elements are so nicely balanced. I would give it a few years in the cellar to allow some of the baby fat to melt away.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2019 Lafon-Rochet is every bit as compelling today as it was from barrel. There is a feeling of elegance to the 2019 that is so striking. Sweet dark cherry, plum new leather, tobacco, licorice, spice and rose petal all grace the 2019 as it unwinds to its long finish. Lafon-Rochet is not huge nor obvious, as some Saint-Estèphes are, but it is absolutely compelling.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2019 Lafon-Rochet is every bit as compelling today as it was from barrel. There is a feeling of elegance to the 2019 that is so striking. Sweet dark cherry, plum new leather, tobacco, licorice, spice and rose petal all grace the 2019 as it unwinds to its long finish. Lafon-Rochet is not huge nor obvious, as some Saint-Estèphes are, but it is absolutely compelling.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2020 Lafon-Rochet represents the essence of classicism in Bordeaux. Medium in body and finely-cut, Lafon-Rochet is one of the classiest, more refined Saint-Estèphes readers will come across. Dark fruit, earthiness, lavender, licorice, menthol and cloves add nuance, but it is the wine's balance and vibrancy that impress most. Give the tannins a few years to melt away. Superb.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2020 Lafon-Rochet represents the essence of classicism in Bordeaux. Medium in body and finely-cut, Lafon-Rochet is one of the classiest, more refined Saint-Estèphes readers will come across. Dark fruit, earthiness, lavender, licorice, menthol and cloves add nuance, but it is the wine's balance and vibrancy that impress most. Give the tannins a few years to melt away. Superb.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2020 Lafon-Rochet represents the essence of classicism in Bordeaux. Medium in body and finely-cut, Lafon-Rochet is one of the classiest, more refined Saint-Estèphes readers will come across. Dark fruit, earthiness, lavender, licorice, menthol and cloves add nuance, but it is the wine's balance and vibrancy that impress most. Give the tannins a few years to melt away. Superb.

James Suckling (93-94)

This is very St.-Estephe, with blackcurrant, lead pencil, graphite and crushed stone. Medium-bodied, linear and structured. Excellent finish. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. 13.35% alcohol. 3.75 pH.

Wine Enthusiast (93)

92-94 Barrel sample. A wine obviously for aging, with its severe tannins and very mineral character. It is dark, brooding, solidly ripe and powerful, with a great waft of final juiciness.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)

The 2014 Le Crock is soft, voluptuous and quite expressive, with the fruit pushed forward and silky tannins to round things out. Today, the flavors are quite primary, but it is the wine's textural harmony and overall balance that stand out most. Hints of plum, crème de cassis, cloves and new leather meld into the inviting finish. Even with all of its richness, the 2014 Le Crock preserves lovely freshness and perfume. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc.