2012 Rocheyron

From the outset, true to his qualitative approach at Pingus, Peter set out to produce a Saint Emilion of exceptional quality. This meant cropping at very low levels (just 22 hectoliters per hectare) with a huge attention to detail in the vineyard and a ruthless selection process. At just 8.45 hectares of vines, as well as the production of a second wine “La Fleur de Rocheyron", production levels for the Grand Vin Chateau Rocheyron, in Bordeaux terms, are tiny. The property is also 100% organic. On purchasing the property, Peter completely renovated the winery. He introduced low temperature vinification, gentle extended pump overs, followed by ageing of the wine for 14 months in oak barrels (50% new) in order to produce a Saint Emilion that has concentration as well as finesse. We tasted the 2012 this week to find out how it is developing in bottle and we were really surprised by how plush and youthful the wine remains, highlighting the obvious winemaking skills and the wine's ageing potential. The 2012 vintage really was the first vintage in which the hard work from Peter Sisseck and his team started to have an effect on the wine.Lovely concentration and intensity on the nose with red and dark berries, quite primary still with notes of dark chocolate and spicy oak. Mid weight on the palate and very well made, with wonderful plush texture without being overpowering. Soft red plum and bramble blackcurrant fruits and notes of dried herb, dark chocolate and spicebox with a savoury edge on the finish. Refreshing with good acidic lift and a moderate tannic structure. Already starting to open up but will develop further over the next few years.