Chateau Rocheyron 2014

JAMES SUCKLING: "So much chalk and mineral character on the nose with currant and plum undertones. Full body, tight and chewy tannins and excellent stone undertones. Tight and muscular with tone and precision. Drink in 2022."

WEINWISSER: "90 % Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Franc. Etwas mehr wie 10'000 Flaschen Produktion. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Bereits in der Nase merkt man das Besondere an diesem Wein. Die Frucht ist immens konzentriert, hat feine konfierte Nuancen, aber auch einen Korb voller, frischer Beeren, darunter Pralinennoten und helle Edelhölzer, die Röstnoten passen zum leicht exotischen Charakter. Durch seinen dezent laktischen Touch bekommt dieser Wein eine sublime Fülle. Im Gaumen überzeugt seine präzise, hochkonzentrierte Frucht, die Tannine sind unerhört fein und die Aromatik ist auch hier ausufernd – in einem ganz speziellen Bereich. Nun hat er seinen Weg gefunden und wird vielleicht immer mehr zu einem ganz extraordinären Saint-Émilion mit einer gewissen Pingus-Affinität. Auf alle Fälle kommt mir diese Affinität bei seinen von Kokos- und Gianduja-Schokonoten genauso vor."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2014 Château Rocheyron, the property owned by Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, is a blend of 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc matured in 35% new oak and a modest 13.4% alcohol. It has a backward bouquet at first that gradually opens in the glass with blackberry and cranberry fruit, expressing fine mineral tension and a hint of Chinese five spice. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly furry tannin, but impressive depth and excellent balance. The acidity is finely tuned here, lending this a linearity and focus not seen in Rocheyron's first three vintages, and then it gently fans out towards the finish with hints of cedar and smoke lingering on the aftertaste. This comes highly recommended—one of the best vintages this far."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium/full bodied, supple, sensuous, lush fruits with ripe, polished tannins in a forward style allow this wine to be enjoyed in its youth. With the concentration of raw materials, this will also allow for aging for at least 15-20 years."

DECANTER: "In 2014 Rocheyron was 100% Merlot, as Peter Sisseck didn't feel that the Cabernet Franc added anything to the blend. This is quite closed and reticent on the nose and seems a little more one-dimensional than the other vintages tasted. Dark fruits dominate the palate, with some grippy tannins suggesting this 2014 needs several more years in bottle. The palate is very pure, fresh and lively with some vibrant acidity."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Shows a lightly woodsy frame, with an apple wood edge that is trying to meld with the core of steeped plum skin and raspberry preserve flavors. A loamy hint shows on the finish. There's solid depth here, but this needs time to unwind through the finish. Best from 2019 through 2026. 835 cases made."