Chateau les Ormes Saint-Julien 2020

91 Points – VertdeVin. St Julien is the commune in Bordeaux with the highest proportion of Classed Growths, and its superlative wine growing land make it a go to destination for high quality Bordeaux. Château les Ormes is made up of 2 principal parcels of vines. One touching the western border of Château Léoville Barton (in fact Anthony Barton sold this parcel to Chateau les Ormes in 1989) and the second further south and juxtaposed between Château Gruaud Larose, Saint Pierre and Beychevelle. The soils are identical to the other chateaux on the plateau of Beychevelle : beautiful gravel that favours the elegance of Saint Julien. It is no coincidence that 85% of the appellation is Cru Classé. Most of the chateaux that are not classified in this appellation simply didn’t exist in 1855 at the time of the creation of the classification, although they are made up of plots of land that formerly belonged to these chateaux!

Taste

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot & 2% Cabernet Franc. This solid red features a nice core of plum, anise and violet notes bound by fleshy grip, backed by a nicely toasty, slightly tarry edge on the finish.

Wine Press Ratings

91 Points – VertdeVin (2020)

« On the nose it is fruity, it offers a pulpy side, a certain power and a fine concentration. It reveals the notes of gariguette strawberry, crushed redcurrant and slightly licorice associated with tangy blackcurrant, violet as well as star anise, sweet spices, a subtle touch of camphor and cardamom. The palate is fruity, a little tight and it is juicy, suavity, a little fat, pulpy, tension as well as a fine straightness and gourmandize. On the palate, expressing notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, tart/pulpy currant and slightly violet associated with hints of fleshy cherry, tonka bean, cardamom as well as fine hints of chocolate, vanilla, a subtle touch of lily and hazelnut. Good length. The tannins are precise and well conducted. »

92 Points – International Wine Report (2012)

« The 2012 Château Les Ormes is a fantastic showing in this vintage. The Saint-Julien instantly bursts open with alluring aromas of blackberries and dark cherries which are woven together with spices, charcoal, toast, underlined by spring floral and and mineral nuances. This medium-bodied red is beautifully textured, with polished tannins and a wonderful balance of fruit and acidity. The finish shows nice length, with red fruits and scorched notes lingering on. This is a complete success and drinking excellent right now. »

About the producer

This property is made up of 2 principal parcels of vines. One touching the western border of Château Léoville Barton (in fact Anthony Barton sold this parcel to Chateau les Ormes in 1989) and the second further south and juxtaposed between Chateaux Gruaud Larose, Saint Pierre and Beychevelle. The soils are identical to the other chateau on the plateau of Beychevelle : beautiful gravel that favours the elegance of Saint Julien. It is no coincidence that 85% of the appellation is Cru Classé. Most of the chateaux that are not classified in this appellation simply didn’t exist in 1855 at the time of the creation of the classification, although they are made up of plots of land that formerly belonged to these chateaux!

Owners Fabienne & Philippe Pairault make their wine in total respect to the environment and wouldn’t have it any other way. For them it is not an obligation but a life choice that will affect generations to come.

In 2008 they employed the young, brilliant and dynamic Diana Garcia Gonzalez, winemaker at Château les Ormes, who with some gentle love and attention made this wine into possibly the finest value for money in the appellation.