2014 Les Ormes de Pez

The 2014 Ormes de Pez showed less well than expected in the previous Southwold tasting six years earlier. This is a completely different kettle of fish. It has a well-defined nose with fresh, marine-tinged black fruit, hints of tobacco and pressed flowers emerging with time. This is delineation and full of energy. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit, impressive depth and structure, yet it maintains freshness with a black olive and saline finish that gets the saliva flowing. Superb. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Tasted blind. Deep youthful garnet. Still with masses of leafy black fruit freshness. Dry, taut, sober. Not as rich as some but harmonious and refined and long. Concentration gives a slight bitterness at the end. (JH)

Corked during the main Bordeaux Index tasting, so I opened a bottle that I had at home. A wine to sink into and share, one of the best values in this line up and very easy to recommend. Expect blackberry and loganberry fruit, fragrant and brambled showcasing the ripeness that was acheiveable in St Estèphe in the 20014 vintage. No need to wait too long, although it will continue to age, enjoy the mint leaf and fennel waves that unwind with the fruit. Fresh acidities, juicy finish. 45% new oak. Harvest September 29 to October 10.