Rol Valentin 2002 (750ML)

90+ VM / 90 WS / 89-91 WA

(13.5% alcohol) Medium bright ruby. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and bitter chocolate, with a hint of animal reduction. Wonderfully sweet and creamy, with crystallized black fruit and floral flavors. Large-scaled and chewy for a 2002 but also vibrant. Finishes long, tannic and powerful but subtle, with very good grip. Does not give the impression of being overextracted. Shows the almost briary fruit intensity of a merlot or cabernet franc from Pride Mountain Vineyards.-Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

Attractive cherry, currant and vanilla oak aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a fresh finish. Finesse and deft winemaking here. This is one of the region's handmade, serious wines.-Wine Spectator

This is a very strong effort from this consistently successful estate. From a 12.5-acre vineyard planted in both sand and limestone soils north of La Gomerie, it is a blend of 85% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of espresso roast, blackberries, plums, and figs. Medium to full-bodied, with a voluptuous texture, and sweet fruit, it offers a complete package from the aromatics through the finish. It should be outstanding from bottle. Sadly, production in 2002 is less than one-thousand cases.-Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate