Château Rocheyron

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Rocheyron needs some swirling and a good amount of air to unlock fragrant notions of Black Forest cake, black raspberries and kirsch, leading to hints of rose oil, cedar chest, unsmoked cigars and powdered cinnamon. The medium to full-bodied palate is still sporting a fair bit of oak, lending assertiveness to the otherwise plush, seductive texture and spiciness to the very alluring, fragrant red and black fruits, finishing with great persistence. With another 4-5 years in bottle, this is going to be gorgeous, then enjoy it over the next 15-18 years or more.

L'If (tasted alongside) and this wine are very different. This has dusty dark fruit and a more minerally dry finesse in the texture. Almost delicate in its freshness and elegance. Long and cool-tasting, more restrained, compared with the exuberance of L'If.

What a wonderful nose of blackberries, limestone, minerals and dried violets. Full body and very fine tannins that are sophisticated and tailored, with a really fine texture and liveliness. The length is fantastic and refined. Try after 2026, but impressive to taste already.