Chateau Rouget, Pomerol 2021

93 Points Vinous

The 2021 Rouget has come together beautifully. Bold, juicy and expressive, the 2021 possesses notable palate presence and forward appeal. Macerated dark cherry, plum, leather, menthol, spice, mocha and pomegranate build effortlessly. Plush, elegant contours wrap it all together in style. Rouget is not super-complex, but it is an absolute delight.

Château Rouget is one of the oldest estates in Pomerol: there is evidence that the Ancient Romans planted vines on the estate several centuries ago. The Château appears in archives and land registers from 1700 — when it was listed as one of the first Pomerol Crus — and towards the end of the 19th century, Rouget was considered to be one of the top five estates in Pomerol. In 1992 the Labruyère family purchased the estate, and for the past 28 years they have embarked on a mission to restore Château Rouget as one of the best properties on the right bank. The vineyards of Château Rouget are located in the northern part of the Pomerol appellation, not far from Châteaux L'Eglise Clinet, La Croix de Gay, Trotanoy and Petit Village. The vines are planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc on 17 hectares of gravel, sand and clay soils with high levels of iron.