2010 Chateau Rousselle Prestige

The Maison Noble de Rousselle was erected in 1636 by the chevalier Jean de Tortary, on the slopes overlooking the Gironde river between the towns of Blaye and Bourg, right across the Medoc peninsula. While the local archives can attest this area had been under vines for many centuries, consecration came during the late 19th century, with the mention of Chateau Rousselle as a “Premier Bourgeois” in the 1868 edition of “Bordeaux and its wines” by Cocks and Feret, the highest distinction in Bordeaux outside of the official 1855 Medoc classification.

This was most certainly the result of the technical advances that took place at Chateau Rousselle during the 19th century, when the estate had been chosen as a pilot for the modernisation of cellars in the region. A victim of phylloxera from 1875, the estate ownership changed many times during the 20th century, with the 1970’s marking the darkest hours like for many other properties in the greater Bordeaux region. In 1999 Vincent Lemaitre, the current proprietor, fell in love with the estate and embarked on a project of rejuvenation of the 17th and 19th centuries buildings along with the vineyards and winemaking facilities, with a view to raise the estate back to its glorious past. Today, the vineyards are at an average of 45 years of age, planted with the traditional varietals of Bordeaux on “Asteries” limestone combined with brown clays.

A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc that has been aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Totally opaque black dark red colour with a deep very dark red hue. The nose shows good perfumed lift with scents of perfectly ripened blackcurrants intermixed with liquorice followed by hints of tobacco, cedar, earth and spice. Medium to full bodied the palate is filled with generous rich blackcurrant flavours with underlying cedary tobacco like characters, scorched earth and spice. Dryish finish with solidly built tannins imparting a sense of firmness on the back palate. Medium to long ripe blackcurrant, cedary tobacco, scorched earth and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%