2019 Rouget (Pomerol)

The 2019 Rouget has a ripe red cherry, kirsch and desiccated orange peel/marmalade-scented bouquet that actually gains delineation with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins and fine depth. Quite solid toward the finish, where it needs a tad more nuance and precision; that may develop with bottle age. This Pomerol has commendable substance but patience is required. 91 points

Inky plum colour, clear aromatic concentration and a relatively low yield of 33hl/ha. These levels of concentration are repeated on the palate, and this is one of the more intense Rougets, particularly if comparing to years like 2017 but also more muscle here than the 2018. High quality, with rippling tannic muscle and smoked black fruit, will take its time to come around. Harvest 17 September to 10 October. 94 points