Le Carillon de Rouget
Vintage 2011 was a great challenge after legendary 2009 and 2010. Unable to compete in power with its predecessors this vintage successfully found its own unique way to subjugate wine enthusiasts. Spring was promptly very hot and dry. With temperatures reaching 30? during some days in April, flowering was exceptional. Constant water deficit during growth cycle forced us to rethink our viticultural practices by controlling canopy management and enabling soils to breathe. It was important to keep freshness in the vineyard to reach perfectly balanced alcoholic and phenolic maturity. Merlot, the dominant variety in Pomerol appellation, had the most to lose in this "game". Yet, once again, Plateau's terroir played its important role of regulator. Wines' smoothness and delicacy surprised the greatest tasters of Pomerol. Even young, this wine delivers an extremely delicate and frank mouth feel.
Terroir
The terroirs dedicated to Le Carillon de Rouget are more aerial than the ones selected for Château Rouget. This, combined with the relative youth of the vines, compared to the ones of the Grand Vin, result in earlier ripening and give the wine its roundness and appealing character.
Grape Varieties
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Planting density: 3 000 vines per acre / 7 500 vines per hectare
Average age of vines: 20 yearsSoil management
Vineyards are sustainably farmed, using practices such as cover crops and ploughing.
Harvests
Grapes are harvested by hand, in small 20kg crates. Each plot is harvested individually in order to ensure optimal ripeness of the entire crop. Grapes are then sorted carefully.
Winemaking & Ageing
Grapes from different parcels are vinified separately in stainless steel tanks, then aged in oak barrels (second fill) for 18 months. This vintage was bottled on a fruit day according to the lunar calendar, to allow the wine to express itself fully.
Tasting Notes
(Tasted in Septembre 2013)
Appearance: Red ruby with garnet reflections.
Nose: Very seducing wine with intense and fruit-driven nose.
Palate: Delicious with splendid red fruit flavours: vibrant cherries, juicy plums on the palate. Very well balanced acidity. Red fruits and silky tannins lingering through very elegant and fresh finish.
Ageing Potential: 10 years
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