Chateau Rocheyron 2022

Château Rocheyron is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru run by Peter Sisseck, the winemaker behind Ribera del Duero's Pingus, with his partner Silvio Denz. The blend pairs Merlot with Cabernet Franc from vines averaging around 45 years, with some plots between 40 and 80 years old. They grow on a limestone plateau on the right bank, where the cool, water retaining subsoil moderates ripening and lends the wine its tension and fine grained tannin. The estate is farmed organically and biodynamically, with attention to soil life and small yields that concentrate the fruit. Ageing runs 20 months in French oak barrels, giving slow oxygen exchange that rounds the tannins and adds cedar and a light toast while the limestone freshness carries through. The colour is deep ruby. The nose offers plum, red currant and dark cherry over tobacco, graphite and a touch of fresh earth, with Cabernet Franc lending a leafy, peppery edge. The palate is medium to full, firm and linear, with savoury length and a mineral finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It is built for roast meats and game.