A lavish, ripe style of Pomerol, the 2022 Rouget bursts with aromas of cherry preserve, sweet berries and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple palate that`s rich and demonstrative. Readers who gravitate toward overtly jammy wines will appreciate it more than I did, but it is well made in its style. 90-92 points

Inky plum in colour, this has a lovely balance, thoroughly enjoyable in its depth and plushness of blackberry and damson fruit character, clear bitter chocolate, mint leaf, eucpalyptus, slate and liqourice. It`s big and expands through the palate, and you feel the tannins step by step building to full impact by the close of play - but that is the way to do it, where it starts small and then builds. It`s concentrated, in the spirit of the vintage, and has plenty of Pomerol signature in its velvety tannins and bitter black chocolate finish, and even the flash of heat on the finish is taken in its stride. Great construction, waves of oyster shell and saffron, and this is an exceptional Rouget from owner Edouard Labruyere. 30% new oak. 95 points

The 2022 Rouget is compelling right out of the gate. Succulent dark red cherry fruit, spice, cloves, menthol and licorice all race across the palate. Medium in body and wonderfully energetic Rouget is a winner. I especially like how it marries fruit richness and vibrancy, one of the signatures of the best wines in this vintage. 92-94 points

The 2022 Rouget has a high-toned nose with crushed violets and iris flower, ebullient blue fruit blossoming in the glass. Maybe just a tinge of sur-maturite. The palate is medium-bodied with thickly-textured tannins that lacquer the mouth. Bold and almost brash, it needs more finesse and precision to manifest on the finish by the time of bottling. 90-92 points