In the heart of the Pomerol appellation, the Château Croix des Rouzes 2021 offers a sensitive reading of its terroir, balancing fruit flesh and precise texture. This cuvée, conceived for the table and good conversation, highlights the generosity of Merlot and the floral elegance of Cabernet Franc. It appeals equally to the curious enthusiast and the discerning collector seeking an expressive Pomerol—upright, plush and restrained. The palate unfolds in layers, from dark fruit to violet, gaining depth with aeration, while finely edged tannins provide a gourmand caress. At carefully prepared dinners, its exemplary presence—never heavy—pairs beautifully with roasted meats, reduced sauces and controlled cooking. In this vintage with a slender silhouette, the wine favours balance, brightness and a pleasing length that extends the pleasure on a discreetly fresh note. Each sip evokes the hospitality that defines great French tables, where the wine accompanies and illuminates rather than overwhelms.

Blend and vinification

This Pomerol is built around a classic Right Bank blend dominated by Merlot, complemented by a touch of Cabernet Franc. Merlot, accounting for roughly 90% of the cuvée, brings breadth, a black cherry core and caressing tannins. Cabernet Franc, around 10%, adds floral delicacy, uprightness and a spicy lift that stretches the finish. Vinification favours gentle extraction to preserve the fruit's brightness and the purity of the aromas. The élevage is measured and attentive, aimed at harmony rather than display, delivering a wine expressive today while retaining genuine ageing potential. Overall, it sincerely reflects the 2021 vintage profile, with a fresh thread, precise aromatic range and a chiselled structure promising fine gastronomic pairings.

Tasting notes

• Colour: Deep garnet rimmed with violet reflections, clear and bright, indicating controlled concentration. The substance gently clings to the glass, hinting at a silky texture.
• Nose: A pure expression of black and red fruits—blackberry, Morello cherry and damson—lifted by violet, a touch of bay leaf and gentle spices. With aeration, discreet cocoa, graphite and a faint truffly note typical of Pomerol's clays emerge.
• Palate: Soft, juicy attack; a broad mid-palate without weight, supported by fine, powdery tannins that sculpt an elegant profile. Balance is built on measured freshness and a mouthwatering sapidity. The finish extends gracefully on a cherry kernel, an echo of violet and a very subtle peppery touch that signals the return of Cabernet Franc.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this Pomerol between 16 and 18°C in Bordeaux-style glasses to showcase volume and bouquet. A 2 to 3 hour opening prior to service, in a wide-based decanter, softens the tannic frame and unfolds the charm of the fruit. Store bottles lying down, away from light, in a cool, stable cellar. The cuvée has an aging potential of 5 to 10 years depending on storage conditions, developing pleasant tertiary notes while retaining its brightness. For a more immediate experience, correct serving temperature and careful aeration guarantee a clear expression today.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs: delicate charcuterie, pâté en croûte with pickles, mini truffle croque-monsieurs. Favor clean, measured flavours to preserve the fruit's freshness.
• Starters: œufs en meurette, poultry terrine with morels, hand-cut beef tartare lightly seasoned—these converse well with the wine's floral thread and juicy momentum.
• Main courses: braised poultry with reduced jus, grilled rib steak, melt-in-the-mouth beef cheek, pink duck breast. Polished tannins wrap the flesh, the finish gaining presence on gentle spices.
• Cheeses: 24-month Comté, Brie de Meaux, sheep's milk tomme, farmhouse Saint-Nectaire. Prefer pressed or soft cheeses with low lacteal intensity for a harmonious dialogue.
• Desserts: plum tart, spiced poached pears, lightly sweetened red fruit pavlova, to extend the fruity register without overwhelming the palate.

Occasions

Château Croix des Rouzes 2021 proves a perfect companion:

• To celebrate a memorable family moment, around a roast bird and seasonal vegetables.
• At a gourmet dinner with friends, when precise cooking calls for an elegant, focused red.
• As an exceptional gift for a knowledgeable lover of authentic, harmonious Pomerol.

Details

• Name: Château Croix des Rouzes 2021
• Appellation: Pomerol AOC
• Type: Red wine
• Vintage: 2021
• Grape varieties: Merlot (90%), Cabernet Franc (10%)
• Alcohol level: Not disclosed
• Ageing: Not disclosed
• Volume: 75 cl
• Cellaring: 5 to 10 years
• Serving temperature: 16–18°C