Château Rol Valentin - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88 / 100

par Ian D'Agata le 31/08/2014

Deep, bright ruby. Perfumed, sappy aromas of maraschino cherry, flint, tobacco and camphor are complemented by a fresh floral note. Dense, sweet and broad on entry, with a solid core of dark cherry fruit lifted by fresh pepper and flowers, then tightens up on the back end. The finish shows dry tannins that stay just this side of hard, with a lingering floral perfume complicated by saline traces. Not the best Rol Valentin in memory, but a very successful 2011 Bordeaux. Winemaker Simon Blanchard told me that he believes the floral notes come from the vine parcels located in St. Etienne de Lys, where the lighter soils provide fragrance and perfume.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

par Robert Parker le 02/05/2014

A delicious, supple, velvety-textured, opulent effort, Rol Valentin's 2011 offers plenty of dark fruits, licorice, camphor and a hint of truffles. This medium-bodied, lush, round St.-Emilion is meant for early consumption, so drink it over the next 7-8 years.

Jamessuckling.com

91 / 100

par James Suckling le 19/02/2014

A wine with lots of muscle. Full body, chewy and very rich with chocolate, berry and spice character. Tannic. Needs two or three years to soften. Better in 2018.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

par James Molesworth le 11/02/2014

Lightly woodsy along the edges, with sandalwood and balsa wood notes, while the core of damson plum and black cherry sits in reserve for now. This fleshes out on the finish, revealing an echo of licorice root. Should settle in soon enough. Best from 2015 through 2021.

Le Point

16 / 20

par Jacques Dupont le 17/05/2012

Nez expressif, fruité éclatant, charnu, tanins ronds et veloutés, note de cacao, équilibré, long, élevage élégant. O= 2017 G= 15 ans

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

87-90 / 100

par Ian D'Agata le 12/05/2012

Deep ruby. Pure but withdrawn aromas of red cherry, flowers and iron. The juicy red fruit and mineral flavors are currently a bit sullen but show good depth and ripeness; some time in the glass brought more texture and sweetness. Finishes with smooth tannins and very good length.

Decanter.com

15,5 / 20

le 30/04/2012

Lively and fresh with fairly zesty fruit. Firm tannic frame. Finishes a little hard and dry. Drink 2016-2025.

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

par Robert Parker le 30/04/2012

I experienced serious sample variation with the 2011 Rol Valentin and the following notes represent a synthesis of the better examples I tasted. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of black raspberries, black currants, graphite and licorice. The wine possesses lots of intensity, a rustic but medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long finish. It should drink well for 15 or more years.

TAST

16-17 / 20

par Bettane & Desseauve le 30/04/2012

Belle densité sans rudesse, bouche onctueuse et fine, profondeur sculptée, beau volume.

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

par René Gabriel le 30/04/2012

2015-2032

The Wine Cellar Insider

88-90 / 100

par Jeff Leve le 27/04/2012

Deep ruby in color, with truffle, licorice, dark cherry, spice and coffee scents, this medium bodied, charming St. Emilion offers a finish filled with bright, fresh, black raspberries and vanilla. 88-90 Pts

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

par Neal Martin le 27/04/2012

Tasted three times. The second at Jean-Luc Thunevin the best example with copious blackcurrant on the nose that is well defined and generous. The palate shows fine balance with ripe tannins, a little chewy in the mouth and a slightly monotonous, oaky finish. Tasted April 2012

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

par Julia Harding MW le 24/04/2012

Drink 2016-2025
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Glorious rich pure fruit. So expressive and vibrant on the nose. Soft and welcoming on the palate. Gentle, but firmly layered tannins and just fresh enough. Beguiling. (JH)

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

par James Molesworth le 10/04/2012

Very sappy, with lots of kirsch and anise notes. There's ample acidity, but good briary grip as well, along with slightly chewy toast. The pieces are all there.—J.M.

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

par James Suckling le 01/04/2012

Chewy and rich with dried citrus fruit and a lots of smoky character. Coffee. Full with lots of fruit. A little tough with all the wood now. But should come out well.