Chateau Rocheyron 2016

DECANTER: "Winemaker Peter Sisseck feels there was a lot of similarity vintage-wise between the 2010 and 2016, yet the younger wine is far superior. There was no raisining in 2016, and this fine Saint-Emilion has great intensity on the palate, with dark plum and blackberry notes, an impenetrable colour in the glass, and a complex pot-pourri of herb, cedar and spices on the nose. Clean, precise and with all the components in great balance, this will age for several decades. Top wine of the tasting. Drinking Window 2025 - 2045"

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2016 Château Rocheyron from Silvio Denz and Peter Sisseck comes from the upper plateau in Saint-Emilion and has more than a little potential. Made from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc brought up in 50% new oak, it has firm, tight, structured vibe as well as terrific minerality in its blue fruits, liquid violet, bouquet garni and graphite aromatics. With high, yet integrated tannin, impressive purity, and good acidity, it’s going to be for those with some patience."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2016 Rocheyron, from Peter Sisseck's property in Saint-Émilion, is unquestionably the best to date. The bouquet bursts from the glass with fresh blackberry and boysenberry fruit that is seamlessly integrated with the one-third new oak. The palate is framed by fine tannins and a superb line of acidity. There is plenty of crisp black fruit here, and the smooth, energetic finish leaves a crushed stone residue. If you couldn’t locate any Pingus this year, just come here."

JAMES SUCKLING: " Fabulous blackberry, black-tea, violet and blueberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied, dense and powerful palate with wonderful, dialed fruit and tannins. Fine, persistent finish. All in strength and finesse. Try after 2024."

THE WINEADVOCATE: "The 2016 Rocheyron has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and suggestions of wood smoke, camphor and pencil lead over a core of red and black plums, kirsch and blackberry tart. Medium-bodied, finely crafted and elegant in the mouth, the delicate fruit is well-knit with fine-grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a perfumed note."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Concentrated, supple, sensuous and loaded with intense, perfectly ripe, dark fruits, this is just great. The velvety textured tannins, length and palate staining level of fruits are beautiful!"

WEINWISSER: "70 % Merlot, 30 % Cabernet Franc, 33 hl/ha, Produktion: 16.000 Flaschen. Sattes Purpur mit schwarzer Mitte und lila Schimmer am Rand. Filigranes, tänzerisches Bouquet mit Himbeermark und Preiselbeeren, dahinter Heidelbeeren und Veilchen. Am eleganten Gaumen mit feinmuskulösen Zügen, zartem Grip und seidiger Textur. Im langanhaltenden Finale mit Milchschokolade und Cassis – das erste Mal, dass er mich wirklich überzeugt hat! Kann noch zulegen."

WINESPECTATOR: "Juicy and focused, with a tasty core of bright plum and blackberry fruit, carried by a graphite edge and backed by tobacco and roasted apple wood accents on the finish. Fresh acidity keeps all the elements well-knit, while the pure fruit sings through the finish. Rock-solid. Best from 2021 through 2035."