2017 Rol Valentin
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Roasted cherries and plum jam on the nose. The sweetness of the fruit continues on the palate. Plump but slightly confected, the acid stands awkwardly against the fruit at this stage – it may need time to knit together. For now, the acidity cuts the length. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Rol Valentin is an exciting and totally engaging wine. Layers of red cherry jam, spice, rose petal and cedar infuse the 2017 with notable complexity. What I admire most about the 2017 is the marriage of freshness with opulence - something that is rare among the richer Saint-Émilions. Perfumed floral notes round out the finish nicely. Tasted two times.
A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Rol Valentin displays a deep garnet-purple color and has quite a cedary/oaky nose to begin over a core of stewed plums, raisin cake and balsamic plus a waft of Indian spices. Medium-bodied, the palate has just enough spicy fruit and a chewy, rather rustic texture, finishing on a stewed tea note.
From the clay and limestone hillsides of Saint-Emilion, the 2017 Chateau Rol Valentin checks in as a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It's a success in the vintage, offering medium to full-bodied richness and depth as well as opulent levels of black cherry, black raspberry, and blackcurrant fruit interwoven with notes of chocolate, graphite, and crushed rocks. It's a nicely concentrated, textured 2017 that's going to evolve for 15 years or more.