2020 Rouget (Pomerol)

Sinew and muscle to the tannins, this has character, depth through the mid palate, good aromatics, damson and raspberry fruits, a real Pomerol success with oyster shell salinity on the finish. Labruyère family, first year of organic converstion. Harvest September 15 to 30, 30% new oak 93 points

The 2020 Rouget is tasted from a half-bottle that showed some oxidation, so I called for a second. I`m glad I did because it tallies far more to the barrel sample. Clearly showing signs of an earlier-picked, fresher style, this offers very attractive blackberry and cedar aromas, just a faint savory note in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity, just a little bitterness to address on the finish, but with fine length. Give it 4-5 years in bottle. 92 points

The 2020 Rouget is a potent, opulent Pomerol. Espresso, bittersweet chocolate, licorice, leather, incense, tobacco and blackberry jam race across the palate. This sumptuous, unabashedly opulent Pomerol has a ton to offer, but it is very much on the large side. 94 points