2016 Chateau Rouget

France / Bordeaux / France / Bordeaux / Pomerol Rouge
 
Grapes are manually picked and carefully transported in small 20kg crates. Harvest occurs in several steps, in order to secure an optimal maturity level. Bunches are sorted a first time as soon as they arrive in the cellar. Then, once the grapes are fully destemmed, they go through another double sorting table.
Grapes are vinified batch by batch, in oak or truncated cone-shaped oak vats, then aged for 18 months in oak barrels (33% new). Ageing Potential: 2022 to 2028.

VertdeVin 93/100: "The nose is aromatic, gourmand and elegant. It reveals notes of Bourbon vanilla, fresh blackberry and fresh strawberry associated with slight notes of caramelized oak as well as discreet hints of fresh/fleshy blueberry and a very discreet hint of flowers. The palate is fruity, juicy, well-balanced and offers a good minerality, a good freshness, gourmandise as well as a good elegance. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fresh blackberry, fresh raspberry and slight notes of cassis associated with hints of flowers, toasted oak as well as discreet hints of licorice and a subtle hint of flowers. Tannins are fine and well-built. Good length".
 
Blend:
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc.
 
Ratings vintage 2016:
Le Guide Hachette des Vins: 1 Star.
 
Gravelous soils mixed with clay. This soil composition, combined with an exceptional exposure, confers all the typicity, elegance and finesse to Château Rouget wines. Vineyards are sustainably farmed, using practices such as cover crops and ploughing.
 
The estate is considered as being one of the first official Pomerol Crus. Indeed, it originally appeared in the archives and land register of 1700, corresponding to the construction of the estate's grand château by the Bayonne family. At the close of the 19th Century, Château Rouget was rated among the top five Pomerol estates in a classification of the appellation's wines. In 1992, the estate was purchased by the Labruyère family, who today manage the estate in consultation with renowned winemaker, Michel Rolland.