Very grapey, with violet, lilac and other flowers on the nose. This is full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a superripe, raisiny aftertaste. Modern and jazzy. Full throttle red from a château that people forget about. Best after 2008. 3,330 cases made.

The finest Rouget since the mid-sixties (i.e., 1964), this dense plum/ruby-colored 2000 offers aromas and flavors of licorice, balsam wood, plums, black cherry liqueur, and raspberries presented in a full-bodied, plump, chewy format. The flamboyant aromatics are followed by an equally impressive, lush attack, but serious tannin appears in the finish of this meaty, full-bodied Pomerol. With wines like this, it is time to rediscover Rouget. Kudos! Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.