2018 Rocheyron
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Tasting notes
This was a vintage where Rocheyron's position in a cooler corner of St Emilion really started to count, as alcohols climbed high across the region in the face of the vintage conditions. The warmth of the year come across in the weight and concentration of plump damson, fig and crushed raspberry fruits, but there is balance and grip, and the pummice stone texture gives an intensity and brightness to the fruits. Cocoa bean, orange zest, soy, and oyster shell as it opens, this is light on its feet, and it makes you smile. Fine tannins also, giving a graceful architecture to the exuberance of the fruits. Peter Sisseck's experience in Ribera del Duero perhaps comes in handy here, as he is so concious of not over extracting in the face of high alcohols. 30% new oak, 30hl/h yields.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Rocheyron needs some swirling and a good amount of air to unlock fragrant notions of Black Forest cake, black raspberries and kirsch, leading to hints of rose oil, cedar chest, unsmoked cigars and powdered cinnamon. The medium to full-bodied palate is still sporting a fair bit of oak, lending assertiveness to the otherwise plush, seductive texture and spiciness to the very alluring, fragrant red and black fruits, finishing with great persistence. With another 4-5 years in bottle, this is going to be gorgeous, then enjoy it over the next 15-18 years or more. Chateau Rocheyron is a joint venture between Peter Sisseck (owner of Pingus in Ribera del Duero) and Silvio Denz (owner of Peby Faugeres and Lafaurie-Peyraguey).
The 2018 Rocheyron has a very detailed, pure bouquet of perfumed black cherries, crushed violet and light minerally scents. It is not powerful, yet the aromatics are very sensual. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a subtle dash of licorice that just lifts the silky-smooth finish. This is a very accomplished, classy Saint-Émilion from Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz that should improve with a further 3–4 years in bottle.