Area under vines: 18 hectares
Soils: mixture of clay and sand
Average age of the vines: 30 years
Ageing: in 33% new oak for 18 months
Grape varieties:
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The 2019 Rouget is quite open and more fruit-driven on the nose than its peers – kirsch and redcurrant, evidence of some creamy new oak that slightly obscures the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, rather bitter and coarse, a very faint vegetal note on the finish that is jarring at present. I will be more parsimonious with my score for now. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2038
The 2019 Rouget reveals aromas of cherries, jammy berries, dark chocolate and vine smoke, followed by a full-bodied, broad and fleshy palate framed by ripe but succulent acids and powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. This is a broad, demonstrative Pomerol that will drink well with only a little bottle age.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2043
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Blackish garnet – very concentrated. Intense, inky nose. Thick but not exaggerated and fun. Lots of flavour here and just the right side of hot on the end with a rather refreshing floral streak throughout. Impressively long.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2038
