Chateau Rouget 2022

Chateau Rouget, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, 2022

Grapes: A blend of 80% Merlot & 20% Cabernet Franc, organic, 17ha vineyard on gravel & clay soils, 40 year old vines, hand picked, yield 27hl/ha, fermented in both oak barrels (40%) & vats (60%), aged 18 months in French oak (1/3 new)

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Bright and forward on the nose, smells deep but lively, perfumed and vibrant. Smooth and rich with a chew to the present tannins giving a fleshy, ample feel to the palate while the acidity gives the bounce and the ripe black fruit gives the density and concentration. Feels powerful, just reigned in well enough to be vibrant and not too heavy, but there's heft here no doubt. Strong, characterful but the acidity just about keeps things fun. A touch tense at the end, restricting some of the length with toast, cedar and clove spice that lingers. A bit more serious at this point than some though still with plenty of appealing Pomerol swagger. 3.6pH. Rolland & Associés consultants"

95/100 points, Decanter.com

"Dense crimson. Heady, opulent, exotic nose. Very sweet and round – Tertre Roteboeuf comes to mind. Extremely polished and extreme in general. Already utterly hedonistic with the fresh, ripe fruit almost disguising the considerable tannic charge. Looks really good to me. Long" Drink 2026–2044

17/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, April 2023

"The 2022 Rouget is compelling right out of the gate. Succulent dark red cherry fruit, spice, cloves, menthol and licorice all race across the palate. Medium in body and wonderfully energetic Rouget is a winner. I especially like how it marries fruit richness and vibrancy, one of the signatures of the best wines in this vintage."

(92-94/100) points, Antonio Galloni, VINOUS, April 2023