Overview

Chateau de Pez is a vineyard located across the road from Chateau Calon-Segur, in the northern parts of Saint Estephe.

Traditionally one of the leading Bourgeois Superieur wines of the Medoc, it is recognised by many to deserve higher classification. In a 2003 Cru Bourgeois classification revision, it was listed as one of 9 Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnels. It has a reputation of consistently producing wine that is both inexpensive and good quality.

In the 17th century, the chateau was owned by the Pontac family who also owned Chateau Haut-Brion. The wine was sold under the Pontac label in London before any other Medoc wine. Today the chateau is owned by the champagne house Louis Roederer. They have invested in a full replanting programme and a new winery. The consultant is Eric Boissenot.

Chateau de Pez's 23-hectare vineyard is planted with 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. The grapes are hand picked and vinified in wooden vats. The wine is then matured in small oak barriques usually 40% new oak for 18 months. The wine is bottled unfiltered. De Pez produces rounded, ripe and mouthfilling clarets which can be slow to evolve and austere when young. The best vintages require 7-10 years to reach optimum maturity.