2005 Chateau Rol Valentin, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x750ml

Robert Parker 94

Tasted single blind at Southwold. This is a superb Saint Emilion. Dark chocolate, blackberry and mulberry on the nose that comes across as sulky and introverted at present. The palate is full-bodied, rounded vice-like tannins, pure black berry fruit with Doris plum and loganberry. Rather closed but showing good definition and length. It will be wonderful to see how this will age. Great promise. Drink 2012-2025+ Tasted January 2009. [Neal Martin, 01/01/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025

Vinous 93

(14.4% alcohol, with a pH of 3.55) Good deep red-ruby. Wild aromas of blackberry, dark raspberry, mocha and meat. Sappy, penetrating and deep, with highly concentrated flavors of dark raspberry, truffle, game, minerals and flowers. Offers a superb blend of richness, creamy sweetness and acidity. Finishes very broad and very long, with considerable power. This is downright sexy juice but should really be laid down for at least a decade. "The 2000 still needs ten years, and you should forget about the 2005 for a long time," noted Prissette, who added that the 2002 is tasting great right now. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2008]