Rol Valentin 2001 (1.5L)

92 WA / 91 VM / 90 RP / 90 WS

A rich vanillary oaky nose with black cherries, fig and dates with orange rind developing. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced, slightly low in acidity but with clean fruit, redcurrant, cranberry and raspberry leaf. Delicate, focused and refined finish. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Ruby-red. Expressive nose melds black raspberry, dark chocolate, espresso and smoky oak. Sweet, lush and seamless; a silky, subtle midweight, with lovely clarity of raspberry, coffee and floral flavors. Finishes floral and fine, with ripe tannins and subtle persistence. Again, this is distinctly Vosne-Romanee-like, and utterly seductive. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

From an 11.5 acre vineyard spread out in different sectors of St.-Emilion, Rol Valentin’s 2001 is a top-notch sleeper of the vintage. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a sweet nose of black fruits and smoky new oak, it possesses a layered texture, impressive purity, and a medium to full-bodied, lush, rich, moderately tannic finish. Drink this seamless, accessible 2001. - Robert Parker

Delicious red with blackberries, currants and vanilla character, medium to full body and a silky, cool fruit finish. Very fine indeed. Rol Valentin is a serious small producer now. Best after 2007. - JS, Wine Spectator