94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2022 Rouget is a delicate, elegant wine. Crushed flowers, mocha and dark spice meld into black cherry, blackberry, chocolate and lavender. Rouget offers an appealing combination of intense, dark flavors layered into a mid-weight frame. There's plenty of depth, but it's expressed in an understated manner. I would cellar the 2022 for a few years, as the tannins could use a bit more time to integrate fully. Harvest began on September 6, the earliest ever here. Yields were 24 hectoliters per hectare, the result of spring frost and then dehydration during the summer. Tasted two times. 01/2025

92

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2022 Rouget is very attractive and quite floral on the nose, with crushed violets infusing black cherry and boysenberry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is lightly spiced with sapid black fruit giving way to mocha hints toward the finish. This is one of the most elegant vintages from Rouget and it should age with style, though one bottle was a bit more chocolatey on the finish than the other. 01/2025

89

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2022 Rouget bursts with aromas of jammy berries, licorice, vanilla pod and espresso roast, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and extracted palate that's more drying and austere than it appeared during élevage. 03/2025

89

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Château Rouget presents smoky dark fruit, loamy earth, and hints of iron and meat on the nose. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, round, and mouth-filling Pomerol that has ripe tannins and a structured feel. Aged for 16 months in 30% new oak barrels, this should drink well for 10-12 years. Total production: 2,500 cases. 02/2025

95

James Suckling

James Suckling

A polished and complex Rouget with a fine balsamic touch. Dark plums, baking spices, white pepper and dried herbs. Round and powdery in texture, with ripe dark fruit and lush, melted tannins. Very long and appetizing. It’s marked by great length and ultra-ripe tannins. Approachable already, but this will gain complexity in the next two to four years. 01/2025