Jean-Michel Cazes - Château Ormes de Pez

The History of Chateau Ormes de Pez

Château Ormes de Pez dates back to the 18th century and has belonged to the Jean-Michel Cazes family since the eve of the Second World War. At the beginning of the 20th century, the master winemaker of the estate was named Jean Guillou and was married to Marie Cazes. When Jean was killed on the front during the First World War, his wife took over the management of the château. It was not until 1940 that Château Ormes de Pez was bought by Jean-Charles Cazes and became part of the family's heritage.

The buildings and the wine production unit were completely renovated and modernized in the early 1980s, when the management of Château Ormes de Pez was taken over by Jean-Michel Cazes.

The château takes its name from the local patois in which Pez means "peace". The elm trees that have appeared on every wine label since 2003 evoke the trees that dotted the estate until they disappeared in the 1950s.

The vineyard of Château Ormes de Pez

The vineyard of Chateau Ormes de Pez is located about sixty kilometers from Bordeaux, in the Médoc peninsula. The vines benefit from the mild oceanic temperate climate guaranteed by the proximity of the estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.

The vineyard occupies a total of 35 hectares, divided into two distinct terroirs. The sandy-clay parcels are the cooler and better drained. Very representative of the Saint Estèphe appellation, they are dedicated to growing Merlot. The other part is composed of gravelly plots. They are reserved for the cultivation of Cabernet which appreciates this soil of rolled pebbles and quartz.

The grape variety of Château Ormes de Pez is composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

The estate is conducted in agriculture raisonnée. The most natural maintenance products possible are used, while the soils benefit from flowering fallows to replenish themselves. Harvesting is done by hand.

The wine of Château Ormes de Pez

The wine of the castle is called Les Ormes de Pez. It belongs to the AOC Saint Estèphe. The particularity of the wine is its harmony, whatever the vintage. It is a powerful, fleshy and greedy wine. It has the typical characteristics of wines belonging to the Saint Estèphe appellation, namely roundness and elegance.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety dominates the blend. It brings its generosity and richness. The Merlot comes next to refine the suppleness of the wine and ensure a better longevity. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend.
The result is a fruity, luscious wine with a remarkable tannic structure. It can be drunk young, but makes an excellent wine for aging. With age, its finesse is further amplified.