2022 Chateau Rouget Pomerol

Château Rouget is no stranger to greatness. With roots tracing back to ancient Roman times, this estate has been a symbol of quality for centuries, earning its place among Pomerol’s finest. First mentioned in the 1700s, the château was long revered as one of the top wines of the appellation, making it one of Pomerol’s true jewels. Over the years, it passed through the hands of notable families, each contributing their chapter to the estate’s storied history. But it wasn’t until 1992, when the Labruyere family took the helm, that Château Rouget entered a new era of excellence that we still see today.

Under the Labruyere family’s ownership, Château Rouget underwent a remarkable transformation. The vineyards were replanted, new winemaking facilities and cellars were built, and the focus shifted to producing wines that would stand out in a region known for its prestigious estates. This isn’t just another Pomerol – this is a wine that has been carefully crafted with ambition and a relentless drive for perfection.

With an eye for quality, the Labruyere family hired the legendary Michel Rolland in 1997 to consult, ensuring that Château Rouget would never be just another Bordeaux wine. The estate’s expansion continued, with the acquisition of additional vineyard land, pushing the estate to one of the largest in the Pomerol appellation, covering almost 17 hectares.

Edouard Labruyere is the current generation directing this underappreciated estate that represents real value in Pomerol.  In addition, Edouard manages Jacques Prieure estate in Burgundy, which produces a special collection of Grand Cru Pinot Noirs. And, he oversees Domaine JM Labruyere in Champagne.

And with the 2022 vintage, the work they’ve done over the years is clearer than ever: this wine is a knockout. Textured mouthfeel with a touch of oak, giving the wine an added dimension.

With only around 6,500 cases produced each year, this wine is a rare treasure from Pomerol that embodies both the rich history and modern innovation of the estate.

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 97 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A beautiful vintage. Merlot berries were small and concentrated; Cabernet Franc also relished the conditions. Wines are very aromatic and sleek, with Pomerol and St.-Emilion excelling"