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Rol Valentin 2010

Tasting Notes

A strong showing from this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that hit 14.7% natural alcohol, the 2010 Rol Valentin exhibits oodles of sweet black currant and black raspberry fruit along with some toasty oak and a note of charcoal embers in a full-bodied, opulent, showy, even flamboyant style that seems to beg comparison to 2009. This wine should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.

92
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (205), March 2013

Tasted in Hong Kong at the Wine & Trade Fair, this is a fine Saint Emilion. It has an attractive nose of dark plum, violets and a touch of glycerine. It is showy but well mannered. The palate has a rounded, glossy entry with noticeable oak. It is sweet and fleshy, velvety smooth in the mouth with an opulent finish reminiscent of 2009 rather the 2010. This should age well. Tasted November 2012.

90
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, February 2013

Dark crimson. Minerally, racy nose and then very rich on the palate. Tannins well managed. Really long and punchy. Very complete.

17
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2011

Shows rich, ripe, generous fruit but with balancing freshness. Concentrated but balanced. Drink 2016-2025.

16.5
James Lawther MW, Decanter.com, April 2011

Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with 14.5-14.7% alcohol, the 2010 Rol Valentin is the strongest wine this estate has produced in several years. Consultant Stephane Derenoncourt deserves credit for producing this wine, which enjoys an excellent terroir situated near parcels owned by Valandraud and Fleur Cardinale. Its opaque ruby/purple hue is accompanied by plenty of black raspberry, blueberry, toasty oak and floral notes. Opulent, powerful and rich with moderate tannins, it should drink well young yet age easily for 10-15 years.

90/93
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194), May 2011
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.