Château Rouget 2022

Bright and forward on the nose, smells deep but lively, perfumed and vibrant. Smooth and rich with a chew to the present tannins giving a fleshy, ample feel to the palate while the acidity gives the bounce and the ripe black fruit gives the density and concentration. Feels powerful, just reigned in well enough to be vibrant and not too heavy, but there’s heft here no doubt. Strong, characterful but the acidity just about keeps things fun. A touch tense at the end, restricting some of the length with toast, cedar and clove spice that lingers. A bit more serious at this point than some though still with plenty of appealing Pomerol swagger. 3.6pH. Rolland & Associés consultants. Drinking window: 2025-2045. Part of Best Pomerol 2022 wines tasted en primeur. Score – 95. (Georgina Hindle, decanter.com, June 1, 2023)