2008 Chateau Rouget

France / Bordeaux / Pomerol Rouge
 
2008 Château Rouget is ruby with slightly purple reflections. First nose with notes of chocolate, plum and black cherry, followed by the second nose with roasted and spicy notes. Vanilla with hints of figs and plums, dried fruit, blackcurrant and cherry. Very savory and persistent finish with mineral notes and reminiscent of truffles with ripe and embracing tannins.
Ageing Potential: 2020-2025.

The Wine Cellar Insider/Jeff Leve tasting note 90/100: "Black raspberry, coffee, dark cherry and earthy notes make up the perfume. Medium bodied, soft and round in texture, with a sweet, red and black plum filled finish. This is a nice, ready to drink Pomerol that is available for under $30".
 
Blend:
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc.
 
Ratings vintage 2008:
Le Guide Hachette des Vins: 2 Stars + Coup de Coeur.
 
Gravelous soils mixed with clay. This soil composition, combined with an exceptional exposure, confers all the typicity, elegance and finesse to Château Rouget wines. Vineyards are sustainably farmed, using practices such as cover crops and ploughing.

Each parcel is vinified separately, 40% of grapes are fermented in barrels and 60% oak vats, then aged for 18 months in oak barrels (33% new). The wine is fined traditionally, using fresh egg white.
 
The estate is considered as being one of the first official Pomerol Crus. Indeed, it originally appeared in the archives and land register of 1700, corresponding to the construction of the estate's grand château by the Bayonne family. At the close of the 19th Century, Château Rouget was rated among the top five Pomerol estates in a classification of the appellation's wines. In 1992, the estate was purchased by the Labruyère family, who today manage the estate in consultation with renowned winemaker, Michel Rolland.