2018 Chateau Rocheyron, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Rocheyron needs some swirling and a good amount of air to unlock fragrant notions of Black Forest cake, black raspberries and kirsch, leading to hints of rose oil, cedar chest, unsmoked cigars and powdered cinnamon. The medium to full-bodied palate is still sporting a fair bit of oak, lending assertiveness to the otherwise plush, seductive texture and spiciness to the very alluring, fragrant red and black fruits, finishing with great persistence. With another 4-5 years in bottle, this is going to be gorgeous, then enjoy it over the next 15-18 years or more. Chateau Rocheyron is a joint venture between Peter Sisseck (owner of Pingus in Ribera del Duero) and Silvio Denz (owner of Peby Faugeres and Lafaurie-Peyraguey).

The 2018 Rocheyron is a tasty Saint-Émilion that will be easy to drink with minimal cellaring. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice all open with a bit of coaxing. Rocheyron is a perfectly fine Saint-Émilion, but it is also not especially distinguished. Rocheyron is the joint project of Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz.

The 2018 Rocheyron, the joint-venture between Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz, has a very assured bouquet, well defined with pretty blackberry, raspberry and crushed violet aromas, touches of incense emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with supple tannins that frame the intense black cherry and bilberry fruit. It needs a little more acidity to add bite on the finish, otherwise this is very promising.

Peter Sisseck's wine. Sample opened 24 hours ago. Barrel sample. Black core, smudgy purple rim. Immediate, lovely Cabernet Franc slightly leafy lift on the nose as well as the sweetness of the right bank, sweetness of both fruit and tannins. Chewy and fresh on the palate with the black fruit of Merlot and the dark-red of Cabernet Franc. Firm but notably supple tannins. Impressive depth of fruit and everything big but in balance. (JH)