House style: Château Ormes de Pez is known for producing robust and structured wines that reflect the terroir of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The estate is situated on the edge of the hamlet of Pez in the northern part of the Saint-Estèphe commune. Ormes de Pez is owned by the Cazes family, which also owns Château Lynch-Bages.
Wines featured: The vertical includes wine from the 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, and 2004 vintages.
Great expectations: Robert Parker’s vintage guide for Saint-Estèphe considers the 1988, 1994, and 2004 vintages to be Above Average to Excellent. The guide rates the 1989 and 1995 vintages to be Outstanding and considers the 1990, 1996, and 2000 vintages to be Extraordinary. We expect all of the wines will charm you and have great expectations for the extraordinary vintages of 1990, 1996, and 2000.
Where and when: St. Paul’s Church 227 Bloor St E. M4W 1C8. This venue is located between Church St. and Mt. Pleasant Rd. on the south side of Bloor. Registration starts at 6:30 PM and the tasting will start at 6:45 PM. This event will have a maximum attendance of 66.
Your guest speaker: Local Bordeaux expert and enthusiast, Derek Kranenborg, will be your guest speaker. Derek is a Wine Educator and the Founder/Principal of All The Right Grapes, a wine agency based on his love of Sherry, Rioja, and Bordeaux. Derek holds the WSET Diploma. Other credentials include ‘Official Sherry Educator” (Consejo Regulator DO Sherry), Spanish Wine Educator, a French Wine Scholar, and holds the Bordeaux Master Certificate.
Value proposition: Château Ormes de Pez is a wine routinely available at the LCBO. Further, it costs about $60 a bottle, making it a rare example of a quality Bordeaux wine at a reasonable price. This tasting will interest anyone who enjoys mature Bordeaux wines and will particularly interest collectors of mid-priced Bordeaux. Perhaps you are considering adding this château to your cellar or perhaps you have some in your cellar and would like to check on how your wines will evolve with time.
Your evening will begin with an excellent reception wine: Château Latour-Martillac Blanc 2019, a white Bordeaux from a Cru Classé estate in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. The classic Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc (54%) and Semillon (46%) is a wonderful way to lay the foundation for tasting the 8 mature feature wines. A mystery wine will also be served. Your evening will also include a selection of hors d’oeuvres.
Member price $109, including HST.
The guest price is $150, including HST. A Toronto restaurant would charge at least $175 for the wine alone.
Fine wine and fine friends
Your Winetasters Board