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Chateau Rol Valentin

Chateau Rol Valentin was purchased by Eric Prisette, a retired professional footballer, and his wife Virginie, in the summer of 1994. The wine is sourced from just 4.6 hectares of vineyards, located on the north-western part of the St Emilion plateau. The vineyards are predominantly Merlot, with about 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, with vine age typically 35-40 years. The wine undergoes temperature controlled fermentation, prior to ageing in 100% new oak for 18 months, with malolactic fermentation occurring in the barrel. The wines are not filtered, but they do receive a light fining.

Eric Prisette employs Stéphane Derenoncourt as consulting oenologist at Chateau Rol Valentin. A small production (just 14000 or so bottles) together with 100% new oak puts this property firmly in the garagiste camp. Prices typically reflect this. (5/8/03)

Contact details:
Address: Chateau Rol Valentin, 33330 St-Emilion
Telephone: +33 (0) 5 57 74 43 51
Fax +33 (0) 5 57 74 45 13
Internet: www.rolvalentin.com

Chateau Rol Valentin - Tasting Notes

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2007

Chateau Rol Valentin (St Emilion) 2007: Liquorice, ink and orange peel on the nose here, along with pepper and spice. Rather drying tannins, this wine has a big extraction for the full and ripe fruit to live up to. There is an appealing texture, with a little freshness, but it is bordering on overworked for me. 14-15+?/20 (April 2008)

1995

Chateau Rol Valentin (St Emilion) 1995: A deep, inky, red-mahogany colour. There's an impressive nose, which is rich and succulent with blackcurrant fruit and notes of graphite. Dense yet expressive. On the palate it is rich yet balanced, although it has only medium body. Nevertheless it is young, creamily textured and very moreish. Plenty of black fruits and some ripe tannins. This is delicious stuff which is approachable now but should drink well over the next five years. 17.5+/20 (August 2003)