Château Rol Valentin - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012

Vinous

92 / 100

le 31/01/2016

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

par Robert Parker le 30/04/2015

Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, with a saturated ruby/purple color and dense black cherry and plum-like fruit pushing ripeness to the limit, on the palate the wine is medium to full-bodied, pure, ripe and nicely textured, with soft, round tannins. This is a very successful effort from Rol Valentin that can be approached early on or drunk over the following 10-15 years.

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

par James Suckling le 15/02/2015

Lots of meaty, blueberry and wet earth character here. Full body, velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Chewy tannins but this is soft and satisfying. Better in 2017.

Le Figaro

4 / 5

par Bernard Burtschy le 05/09/2013

Un vin souple et charmeur, peu extrait, à boire sur son fruit.

Wine Advocate

85-87 / 100

par Neal Martin le 06/05/2013

The Rol Valentin has a very decadent fig scented bouquet that seems just a little over-ripe to my nose. The palate is sweet and a little jammy on the entry. It needs to find more tension and acidity because the finish feels slightly leaden compared to its peers. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

87-90 / 100

par James Molesworth le 30/04/2013

Displays some showy spice and melted licorice notes on a fruitcake frame, with medium-weight plum sauce and blackberry fruit at the core. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

17 / 20

par Matthew Jukes le 30/04/2013

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16 / 20

par Jean-Marc Quarin le 29/04/2013

Avec 90 % de merlot, ce vin nous offre un beau nez fruité, mûr et subtil. La bouche est ample dès l'attaque, savoureuse au milieu, parfumée, puis le vin fond au palais, évolue juteux et savoureux sur une bonne longueur au grain fin. Son hédonisme plaira beaucoup. Longueur normale.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

par Julia Harding MW le 26/04/2013

Drink 2017-2024
Deep dark cherry. Attractive, lightly floral nose. Firm, dry and refined in its freshness and structure. Savoury char on the finish is the only distraction. (JH)

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

par Robert Parker le 26/04/2013

Super concentration and an inky/blue purple color along with notes of camphor, black truffles, barbecue smoke, blackberries and blueberries are found in this full-bodied, rich, pure, well-balanced 2012. The harvest took place between October 12-19. Kudos to Rol Valentin for this beauty! It should drink well for 15 or so years.

This 18-acre vineyard includes two different sectors, one on sandy and clay soils in the direction of Libourne, outside the entrance to the village of St.-Emilion, and the other on the limestone hillsides east of St.-Emilion. The 2012 may be the finest Rol Valentin I have tasted (and that includes some vintages that on paper appear far superior to 2012). Yields were 28 hectoliters per hectare and the final blend was 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that hit 14% natural alcohol.
Drink: 2013 - 2028

The Wine Cellar Insider

89-91 / 100

par Jeff Leve le 26/04/2013

Medium-bodied with refined character, licorice, coffee bean and blackberries, the wine is soft, but a bit light in the finish. 89-91 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

16,5 / 20

le 25/04/2013

Nez subtil avec des touches florales et épicées, attaque sur la pivoine, les tannins sont bien tenus avec juste ce qu’il faut d’enrobage et de la profondeur.

Decanter.com

16,5 / 20

le 22/04/2013

Ripe, rich nose. Cherry, raspberry liqueur with a hint of toasted oak. Plush, juicy Merlot fruit on the palate. Firm finish. 16.5/20pts ( 88/100pts)
Drink: 2017 - 2025
Taster: James Lawther MW

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

par James Suckling le 04/04/2013

This is really solid with a very good core of fruit and ripe tannins. Reserved and pretty fruit. Subtle. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.