December 5, 2025
Chateau Rouget 2019 - A pomerol 2019 overperformer
Bordeaux Bargain: Chateau Rouget 2019
“This sumptuous, flamboyant Pomerol captures all of the natural intensity of the year." - Antonio Galloni
Chateau Rouget stands among the historic names of Pomerol, with records in local archives and land registers tracing its status as one of the first recognised crus of the appellation in the 1700s. Since 1992 it has been in the hands of the Labruyere family, whose experience across Burgundy, Champagne and Beaujolais brings a thoughtful precision to the estate’s work. Their approach has steadily elevated Rouget’s reputation as one of the area’s quiet stars.
The estate’s eighteen hectares sit beside l’Eglise Clinet and la Croix de Gay, with two thirds of the vines circling the property and 1/3 planted near Trotanoy and Le Pin. Merlot dominates with a touch of Cabernet Franc, planted at a dense seven thousand five hundred vines per hectare. Organic farming, certified from the 2023 vintage, supports the winemaking philosophy of plot-by-plot definition and gentle, integral fermentation in barrel before blending the wines back together in classic Pomerol style.
The 2019 captures everything that makes Rouget such an exciting proposition. Critics highlight its vibrant red fruit, potpourri lift, dark chocolate depth and a seductive interplay of richness and finesse. The wine shows supple tannins, bright energy and a natural sense of balance, with notes ranging from smoked raspberry to kirsch and sweet tobacco. It is already charming but will benefit from further cellaring, revealing the full promise of a vintage shaped by both power and elegance.
Across the board, the 2019 vintage was outstanding for Pomerol and with both Decanter and Galloni scoring Rouget higher than usual, this is very much an under-the-radar overperformer.
Wines from Pomerol usually command a high price, but at €38.50* In Bond per bottle and coming in cases of 3x75cl OWC, these are an absolute steal.
Chateau Rouget 2019
€38.50* In Bond per bottle
95 Points | Decanter, Georgina Hindle
Ripe and dried red berry fruit on the nose, raisins, freshly picked raspberries and blueberries. Some wonderful potpourri perfume too. Great grip and hold from the start - this is tannic and they coat the mouth but with such a bright and juicy aspect too. Real energy here, a lighter if you can say that (as still 14.5%) style, with focus on delicate red fruits, perfume and dark chocolate. Rich to start with, muscular with a bold immediate taste then the delicacy comes in. A wonderful aerial style that is all in balance but still needs some time. It will reward cellaring. Great potential here and quality winemaking on show. Tasted twice.
94 Points | Vinous - Antonio Galloni
The 2019 Rouget is bold, plush and racy to the core. Raspberry jam, spice, kirsch, leather, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco all meld together effortlessly. This sumptuous, flamboyant Pomerol captures all of the natural intensity of the year.
93 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
Seductive floral aromatics, fresh acidities giving a mouthwatering feel from beginning to end, with smoked raspberry and blackberry notes, and a touch of sour plum salinity on the finish. Owner Edouard Labruyère works with a small amount of stems during the winemaking but with fully ripe grapes, giving a textured push and pull of exuberance and restraint. 33hl/ha yield.