Right-Bank Revival – Château Rocher Gardat 2021

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-garnet colour with a shimmer of maturity. On the nose: black cherry, plum, truffle, subtle oak spice and a touch of graphite. 
On the palate: velvety but lively—rich dark fruit, firm yet fine tannins, balanced acidity, and a finish that stretches into stone-minerality and “red dirt” nuance. Wine Enthusiast calls it “richly powerful with concentrated black fruits… drink from 2026.” 

Meet the Winemaker

Château Rocher Gardat is a seventh-generation family estate in the Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Their vineyards rest above old quarries and capture the clay-limestone soils that give this region its character. The blend’s wormhole: ~90% Merlot / 10% Cabernet Franc. 
They use manual harvest, green thinning, and barrel ageing to modernise while staying anchored in terroir.

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc 

• Vintage: 2021

• Region: Montagne-Saint-Émilion (Saint-Émilion Right Bank), Bordeaux, France

• Aging/Vinification: 12 months in 2nd-year oak barrels (according to Allied Vintners listing) 

• ABV: 14.5% 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 16-18°C — right temp for this level of wine.

Critic Reviews

• Wine Enthusiast – 92 pts: “Richly powerful with concentrated black fruits and a year’s wood ageing. Drink from 2026.”

• Retail listing: ‘91 pts’ from James Suckling’s report. 

Food Pairings

• Grilled rib-eye with pepper-corn sauce — you’ve got tannins, bring the steak.

• Duck confit or roasted lamb shank — the rich fruit and structure match beautifully. 

• Aged cheddar, Comté or other dense cheeses — tannin meets savoury.

• Mushroom- and truffle-laden dishes — echo of forest floor and clay.

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you’re done with “Bordeaux for beginners”. This is Right-Bank Bordeaux at its value-forward best: Merlot driven, structured, classy, and able to age. It hits depth without overpricing. Pull this when you want to show you get wine.
Bonus: A 2021 vintage that’s readying itself, so you can enjoy now with room to grow.

Add Château Rocher Gardat Montagne Saint-Émilion 2021 to your cart — club members get 10% off + other perks.
Elevate your red game tonight.