Rol Valentin - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016

Vinous

90

byNeal Martinthe8/13/2020

The 2016 Rol Valentin has a perfumed bouquet of black cherries, blackberry and loamy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine bead of acidity and quite tensile, revealing black-pepper-tinged red fruit laced with cedar on the finish. This is a more classically styled Rol-Valentin that should age well over the next decade. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Jancis Robinson

16

byJancis Robinsonthe2/5/2020

Wine Advocate

92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/29/2019

The 2016 Rol Valentin has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and offers up straight-laced, serious notions of fragrant earth, cigar box and sautéed herbs over a core of warm plums, mulberries and blueberry preserves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely packed with muscular fruit, with a firm, grainy texture and loads of freshness, finishing long and berry laced.

Yvesbeck.wine

89

byYves Beckthe3/20/2019

Pourpre moyen aux reflets violets. Bouquet fruité et épicé, notes de genièvre et touche de torréfaction. Au palais, le vin est juteux et équilibré. Les tannins sont bien intégrés et en accord avec la structure. Belle fraîcheur en fin de bouche, finale fruitée. Un vin agréable que l'on peut déjà savourer. 2020-2030 89/100

Jeb DUNNUCK

93

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/1/2019

Spice, black cherries, earth, and forest floor notes all emerge from the 2016 Château Rol Valentin, a ripe, sexy, beautifully balanced effort that delivers the goods. With silky tannins, medium to full body, no hard edges, and a great finish, it's well worth seeking out. This wine is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in a small amount of new oak, with a touch in concrete eggs as well.

Wine Spectator

93

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

A ripe, engaging style, featuring a mix of raspberry, currant and blackberry compote notes, streaked with mouthwatering anise and singed apple wood details. Displays solid grip, revealing a flash of minerality through the finish while the fruit plays out. Sneaky long. Best from 2021 through 2032. 1,971 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

93

byJames Sucklingthe2/4/2019

This has attractive plum pastry and blueberries on the nose, leading to a very nicely carved palate that has fine but sturdy tannins and good depth of ripe plum and mulberry flavors. Try from 2022.

Vinous

94

byAntonio Gallonithe1/21/2019

The 2016 Rol Valentin is absolutely fabulous. Rich, sumptuous and super-expressive, the 2016 hits all the right notes. Blood orange, mint, espresso and sweet red-toned fruit all grace this exquisite, alluring Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins and bright overtones to the wine's sheer appeal. This vivid, stunningly beautiful Saint-Émilion, will drink well right out of the gate. Tasted three times. 94+

Bettane & Desseauve

90

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Charnu, puissant, intense, beaucoup de sève, ce vin doit encore s’affiner.

Wine Advocate

90-92

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 Rol Valentin, owned by Nicolas and Alexandra Robin, has a very well defined bouquet with blackberry and crushed strawberry fruit, subtle tobacco and iris aromas developing in the glass. This is a more classically "trained" Rol-Valentin. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity but it just clams up a little towards the finish where I want it to spread its wings. I'll keep my eye on this, as there is certainly good potential and it is a worthy follow-up to the 2015.

Vinous

91-94

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

One of the standouts of the vintage, the 2016 Rol Valentin is fabulous. Rich, sumptuous and forward, with striking purity to its fruit, the 2016 shows the more opulent side of Saint-Émilion to dramatic effect. Succulent red cherry, plum, spice, chocolate, espresso, mint and rose petal race across the palate. Sumptuous and racy, but not at all heavy or overdone, the 2016 hits all the right notes. Bright floral overtones and veins of salinity add freshness throughout. This is a gorgeous and impeccably balanced wine. The 2016 was fermented in oak vat and underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a terrific effort from proprietors Alexandra and Nicolas Robon and consulting winemaker Julien Lavenu.

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe4/21/2017

Stéphane Derenoncourt consulting. Clay limestone. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Bright crimson. Easy, comfortable, well-integrated nose. Great freshness on the end. Almost more like a red Loire! Dry end but crunchy and appealing. Not remotely over the top.

Wine Enthusiast

90-92

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. This is a dark wine, solid in tannic structure and with great concentration. It has power that will express itself in rich fruitiness and firm tannins. This is a wine for long-term aging.

Wine Spectator

90-93

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

Ripe and pure, with polished edges that let the plum and cassis notes stream along unencumbered. Fresh acidity drives the finish, which is sneaky long.—J.M.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2017

A bright and vivid red with blueberry and cherry character. Bright and lively acidity. Firm and silky tannins. Shows reserve and harmony. Could be even better than now with time.