2023 Rouget
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Tasting notes
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc aged 16 months in 30% new French oak, the 2023 Château Rouget is a serious Pomerol that delivers outstanding aromatics of cassis, smoky black fruits, tobacco, sappy flowers, and graphite. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated, rather foursquare yet impressive mouthfeel, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years if you can and drink over the following 15 years. Drink 2030-2041.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Rouget is exceptional. A rush of floral notes, explosive red fruit and blood orange soars from the glass. I especially admire its freshness and energy. A healthy dollop of Cabernet Franc adds aromatic dimension. This is one of the sexiest, most polished wines of Pomerol.
The 2023 Rouget has a very "capable" bouquet with well-defined blackberry, raspberry and black truffle scents. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with quite plush tannins counterbalanced by the acidity. It feels quite harmonious on the finish, where I would just like to see a bit more Pomerol DNA. Otherwise, a very fine Pomerol.
This is really pretty, with blackberry, plum, cherry and flower aromas that follow through to a medium body with refined tannins and a long, long finish. Enticing and beautiful. From organically grown grapes. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.
About the producer
Close to the Pomerol church, the Labruyère family purchased this property in 1994. They immediately set to work, restructuring the vineyard, renovating the winery and allowing the property to emerge from the shadows.