Château Rouget Pomerol 2020
- v92
- jd91+
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Château Rouget |
Origin | France, Bordeaux, Pomerol |
Other vintages
Château Rouget is one of the oldest estates in Pomerol: there is evidence that the Ancient Romans planted vines on the estate several centuries ago. The Château appears in archives and land registers from 1700 — when it was listed as one of the first Pomerol Crus — and towards the end of the 19th century, Rouget was considered to be one of the top five estates in Pomerol. In 1992, the Labruyère family purchased the estate, and for the past 28 years they have embarked on a mission to restore Château Rouget as one of the best properties on the right bank. The vineyards of Château Rouget are located in the northern part of the Pomerol appellation, not far from Châteaux L'Eglise Clinet, La Croix de Gay, Trotanoy and Petit Village. The vines are planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc on 17 hectares of gravel, sand and clay soils with high levels of iron.
The wines are fermented in a mix of truncated oak vats, stainless steel and oak barrels and aged for 18 months in barrels, 33% of which are new. The resultant wine is one of the hidden treasures of Pomerol. Elegant, expressive and flavorful with wonderful complexity and drinkability. Approachable in youth, the wine will age beautifully for 15+ years.
Vinous
- v92
The 2020 Rouget has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry and crushed strawberry scents. This is more floral than its peers, and the oak is nicely integrated. The palate is fresh, vibrant and medium-bodied with sappy, ripe black fruit. It's quite sharp on the finish, to the point where the acidity almost feels shrill. Give it time, as it does meliorate with aeration and is one of the best Rouget wines in recent vintages. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd91+
The 2020 Château Rouget showed nicely, with plenty of ripe black cherries, melted chocolate, tobacco, and a hint of iron in its medium to full-bodied, richer, tannic profile. While it's not the most elegant wine out there, it has impressive depth of fruit, sound structure, and a great finish. Tasted twice.