Wines Pessac-Léognan Moulin de Rouillac - 1998

Moulin de Rouillac 1998 from the Pessac-Léognan appellation is a classic Bordeaux red hailing from the esteemed Graves subregion. Wines from this area typically showcase a harmonious blend of ripe fruit, earthy minerality, and nuanced oak, ageing gracefully over time. While the precise blend for this wine isn’t detailed, reds from Pessac-Léognan are often crafted from a combination of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, occasionally with touches of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. The 1998 vintage in Bordeaux enjoyed favourable weather, yielding wines with both structure and complexity, capable of developing deep tertiary aromas with age. After more than two decades, you can expect softened tannins, tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor, alongside lingering hints of cassis and plum from its youthful days.

Pessac-Léognan sits at the heart of Graves, just south of the city of Bordeaux. The gravelly soils of this region provide excellent drainage, encouraging vines to produce deeply expressive wines with distinctive minerality and elegance. Graves, as its name indicates, is shaped by its gravel soils, a legacy of the ancient terraces formed by the Garonne river. Pessac-Léognan boasts a rich viticultural history, with both red and white wines highly regarded for their finesse and depth. The temperate oceanic climate, shaped by proximity to the Atlantic and protection from the Landes forest, allows for steady grape ripening and nuanced aromatics.

For food pairings, this mature Bordeaux red shows beautifully alongside classic dishes from the region – think roast rack of lamb, duck breast, or entrecôte à la bordelaise. Earthy accompaniments like wild mushrooms or truffle oil will resonate with the wine’s evolved flavours. For cheese, opt for aged Comté or a mature farmhouse cheddar to complement its savoury profile.

To enjoy Moulin de Rouillac 1998 at its best, serve it at a cool room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decanting is advisable to separate any sediment and allow the wine to open up, fully revealing its bouquet and depth after years of ageing.