2015 Rouget (Pomerol)

The 2015 Rouget is the blend of five parcels around the Pomerol plateau and I took time to taste each of them when I visited Edouard Labruyère. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc aged in one-third new oak, it has quite a punchy, high-toned bouquet with licorice-tinged red fruit that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, rounded in the mouth with moderate acidity, the Cabernet Franc very articulate. I like the cohesion here, svelte in the mouth with black fruit and allspice fanning out on the structured, sandalwood finish. This is a well-crafted Rouget that deserves wider consumer appreciation. I would not be surprised if this Rouget ends up at the top of my banded score. 92-94 points

Rich, ripe and modern. Firm extraction gives plenty of weight and depth. Plentiful tannins, and the oak is a touch intrusive on the finish. 90 points

The 2015 Rouget is outstanding. Plump, juicy and forward, the 2015 possesses terrific dept h to match its flamboyant personality. Black cherry, plum, mocha, dark spice and licorice abound in this forward Pomerol. The style is unquestionably ripe and modern, but very nicely judged. Consulting winemaker Michel Rolland has done a fine job here. 90-93 points

Dark crimson. Sweet and not thick but lively and transparent. Racy and sinewy. Lots of appeal in this wine. 16.5 points