Château Rol Valentin Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2023

“A rich and rather plush young St. Emilion with a full body and velvety tannins. Aromas of plums, dark berries, walnuts, cured meat and toasted, smoky oak. Clean, beautiful and flamboyant. Firm and tensioned at the end. 78% merlot, 15% cabernet franc and 7% malbec. Drinkable now, but better in 2028.”

“The 2023 Rol Valentin is classy, elegant and polished, just as it was en primeur. Dark fruit, espresso, incense, plum, coffee, licorice and a kiss of French oak are all nicely pushed forward in this juicy, exuberant Saint-Émilion. This should drink beautifully with minimal cellaring. Tasted two times.”

“Vividly ripe aromas of blackberry and plum with a slightly new oak polished sheen suggest more the winemaking than the terroir, but I like the freshness and subtle tannic power, sans hard edges. The medium bodied palate is balanced and barrel ageing (40% new oak) should make this more cohesive.”

“92-94. Barrel Sample. This is a perfumed wine with ripe tannins and rich black fruits. It is powerful, with a solid structure and a spicy aftertaste.”

“From vines on the eastern side of the appellation not far from Valandraud and planted on clay and limestone soils, the 2023 Château Rol Valentin has a vivid ruby hue as well as juicy Bing cherries, red plum, chocolaty herbs, and graphite aromatics. Based on 78% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Malbec and aged 14-16 months in 40% new French oak, it's nicely balanced and ripe on the palate, with medium-bodied depth and density as well as impressive length. It's another forward, charming Saint-Emilion that shows the higher yields of the vintage yet is balanced and undeniably delicious. Drink this outstanding effort over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2035.”