(100% new oak; from vines in Clos Saint-Denis, Les Treux and Les Cruots): Dark, bright red with ruby highlights; the brilliant color of these 2014s made me want to jump into the glass. Very pure aromas of dark berries, spices and blood orange, plus a hint of lemon. Dense, sweet and powerful, showing serious volume to its still-tight flavors of black cherry, dark berries and spices. This fruit was very ripe in 2014 (12. 8% natural alcohol, chaptalized to 13. 4%), as 25% of the crop was lost to hail, said Rouget, who described the storm as "like a violent green harvest." This distinctly masculine style of Echézeaux finishes with a serious spine of firm tannins that reach the teeth; it will need extended aging.

The voluptuous side of Pomerol emerges in the 2014 Rouget. Plums, black cherries, smoke, tobacco and menthol all open up in a racy, supple wine with plenty of near-term appeal. Crushed flowers, spices and cedar add the final layers of nuance in this irresistible, open-knit Pomerol that should drink well with minimal cellaring.

The 2014 Rouget has a rich and ravishing bouquet with high-toned black cherry fruit, dates and marmalade, a touch of VA just lending it some lift. The palate is medium-bodied with dense tannin, quite oaky in style with a heavy-handed finish that needs more grace and terroir expression. Perhaps it just needs more time? Certainly the showing just after bottling showed more promise. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.