97pt $65 v $5,000 Petrus Neighbor Pomerol (1.4 km) "BEST EVER, SEXY, PLEASURE-BENT"

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Friday, July 7th, 2023

Dear Artisans,

We offered the 2016 Rouget Pomerol back in September and said it was the finest Right Bank Bordeaux we had offered in recent memory. How could there be a better buy?

The answer: today's sale on the incendiary 2018 vintage.

You'd pay $100 for a bottle at Wally's, a price this wine absolutely is worth. But rollin' with us gets you $64.97 a bottle... or down to $59.97 btl on 6+ and unbelievably only $54.97 btl when you get the 12-pack OWC. Pardon me—I just dropped my mic. 🫳 🎤

Chateau Rouget's actual neighbors are:

Chateau Petrus - $5,000 btl average web price
Le Pin - $5,600 btl average web price
Chateau Cheval Blanc - $958 btl average web price
Le Gay and L'Eglise-Clinet with an additional plot next to Trotanoy...

They hired 'Midas-Touch' Michel Rolland after watching Harlan, Bryant, Angelus, Ausone, L'Evangile, Clinet, Le Gay, Giscours, Leoville-Poyferre, Malescot, Monbousquet, Pape Clement, Pavie, Pontet Canet and others doing so.

We mentioned the nice neighborhood. See for yourself:

Vinous rates the Right Bank vintage 96 points and says "The 2018 Right Bank wines are opulent, flamboyant reds. It is a very strong vintage that falls just short of being truly epic."

I can't speak for everybody but I'm okay with 'just short of being truly epic.'

There are only five 12-pack OWC available at the lowest price on Earth. Move quickly, and also have a spectacular weekend.

All my best,

—James Tran

2018 Chateau Rouget Pomerol

97 Points - James Suckling:

"Blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, mushrooms and earthy notes. Spices as well. It’s full-bodied with an unctuous texture. Balanced and savory with a fine, chewy tannin structure. Flavorful finish with length. One of the best ever from here. Try after 2025." (1/21)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:

"The 2018 Château Rouget is a beauty and well worth seeking out, especially for those who love the richer, more full-bodied side to Pomerol. Lots of black fruits, chocolate, leafy herbs, and cedar notes emerge from this beauty, which has silky tannins, wonderful overall balance, and a great, great finish. This is one pleasure-bent, sexy 2018 that can be drunk any time over the coming 15 years or more. 2021 - 2036." (3/21)

93 Points - Vinous:

"The 2018 Rouget is not going to win any prizes for subtlety, but it sure is delicious. Racy and flamboyant to the core, the 2018 saturates the palate with super-ripe red fruit, mocha, spice and copious new French oak. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. There is certainly a lot to look forward to. Readers should expect a dense, heady style. Drink between 2026-2043." - Antonio Galloni (3/21)

93 Points - Decanter:

"Grilled oak influence on the nose, with excellent density to the flavours through the palate. Needs time to open up but it works and really has a sense of confidence and personality. 30% new oak. 2026-2045." - JA (11/20)

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
40-Year old vines

Elsewhere: ~~$100.00~~ btl

Online Average: ~~$71.00~~ btl

Our Sale:

$64.97 btl (1-5)

$59.97 btl (6-11)

$54.97 btl (12+)

Order link

Last Call on our best back vintage Bordeaux buys below:

LES GRIFFONS DE PICHON BARON PAUILLAC 2015

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:

"This is a strict, dense wine that shouts Cabernet Sauvignon. Concentrated and firm, it has a powerful core of tannins as well as delicious black currant flavors." - Roger Voss (Apr 2016)

92 Points - Vinous:

"The 2015 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is dense, powerful and quite juicy, with plenty of black cherry, menthol, licorice and smoke overtones nuances that all build in the glass. Polished and racy to the core, the 2015 is a terrific choice for drinking over the next decade or so." (Feb 2018)

92 Points - James Suckling:

"An impressive Pauillac with rich dark-berry aromas and flavors. The tannins are nicely cast and really fulfill the potential of the fruit. This finishes fresh. Try from 2020." (Feb 2018)