Fancy yourself a Bordeaux fan? Especially the top shelf, classified growths? Maybe you want to wait a few years while those high priced beauties rest up and reach their true potential. But you just can’t kick that craving… Well, here’s a 92-93 points, drink-me-now-with-zero-regret, total sleeper from the most excellent 2016 vintage.

Château Croix de Pez is surrounded by famous Cru Classé Châteaux like Montrose and Cos d’Estournel, which consistently pin down 100 point scores. Both of which also fetch eye-popping prices. And yet this little hidden jewel sparkles like a true diamond in the rough. At a price that’s frankly, shocking for the quality.

How come such a drastic deal in the company of 10x more expensive wines? They take small lots of wine that didn’t make it into the “Grand Vin” and blend them into a more approachable, accessible and utterly delicious wine that’s primed for immediate enjoyment. Ripe and fleshy, powerful and satisfying, it’s a modern styled approach that doesn’t shy away from those classic qualities you find in the higher end wines from nearby. Sweet red cherries dominate the nose, with plums, nutmeg, and violets laced together exquisitely beneath. Soft as silk once sipped, and gentle, caressing on the palate, with supple tannins, and a medium body. Graciously long, with a sensual touch of lavender, rose petal and graphite, too. A well-marinated cut of hanger, flank, or thinly sliced tri-tip au jus are ideal centerpieces for memorable pairings.

Need more cred? Antonio Galloni’s Vinous raved about the 2016 harvest in Saint-Estèphe, “Clearly a strong appellation… The headliner was always going to be the Cos d’Estournel, its rival Montrose also a stellar wine… But this northerly appellation is more than these two titans, there are other hidden gems” and this wine from barrel, “a perfumed, almost exotic bouquet with fig and date aromas infusing the red fruit, although it maintains commendable definition and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin… with a silky smooth, fairly oaky finish that deserves another two years in bottle. Good potential here.”

We could go on and on. But it’s been a while since we had a Bordeaux this good at a price this low. No doubt inventory is dropping fast. Best get moving if you want to score some!

92-93 Points – James Suckling

“This is very powerful and rich with gorgeous depth and intensity. Full and excellent. Another new name to watch. Some coffee and caramel here, but also plenty of blackberries and a generous slug of moderately dry tannins, making this a bold wine, yet easy to drink. Lively, dry finish. Drink or hold.”