Château Rouget
The Labruyère family, owners of Rouget since 1992, also manage vineyards in Burgundy. Located near Châteaux L’Eglise- Clinet, Le Gay and Petrus, the estate covers 17ha, some stretching across the Pomerol plateau. A replanting programme started in 1992, combined with the purchase of additional plots from prestigious neighbouring estates on the high plateau back in 1999. Edouard Labruyère explains that viticulture has changed in the last 10 years; no longer parcel-byparcel, but by ‘inter parcel’. Part of the harvest is fermented whole cluster, adding freshness to the wine, and the amount of new oak has been ‘drastically reduced’. Tasting both vintages shows that this is indeed a value Pomerol – Labruyère comments that his wine ‘often comes out ahead of some very beautiful names’ in blind tastings.
Château Rouget 2015 93
£ 30.41 (ib)-£45.83 Christopher Keiller, Corkr, Crump Richmond Shaw, Farr Vintners, Fine & Rare, L’Assemblage, Millésima Balanced and sensual, showing high quality, with freshness on the finish. The blend is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol is well-judged. A very typical Pomerol and fine value. Drink 2018-2035 Alc 15%
Château Rouget 2005 90
£ 33.33 (ib)-£47 Albany Vintners, CA Rookes, Fine & Rare I liked this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc just as much as the 2015. The lower alcohol here lends freshness, with the ripe Cabernet Franc grapes yielding a nice floral aspect. Not over-extracted, this is a rather classic style. A true Pomerol: bravo! Drink 2018-2030 Alc 13.5%