We could not re-taste Rol Valentine 2013 because of the small, rationed quantities before we wrote. From memory years back, it is of deep dark ruby garnet, with a deep core and bright, violet reflections, shows on the nose ripe dark berry and red cherry fruit, delicate plums and figs, and a hint of nougat. Juicy red forest berry confit, fresh, fine tannins, lively and easy to drink, cherries on the finish, shows a good balance, careful handling of wood, a light-footed food companion. Not much structure, not much tannins, But it was just pleasing. Style quite elegant La Fleur and le Gay, maybe the influence from Stephane Derenocourt and the Robin sisters.
Chateau Rol Valentin does not have a long history it made its debut with the difficult 1994 vintage. Before that, the property was known as Clos Valentin. The founder of Rol Valentin was Eric Prissette, the former European soccer star. In 2009, Chateau Rol Valentin took on a new owner when it was sold to the daughter of Leclerc’s chief wine buyer, Jean-Luc Roche, and her husband, Nicolas Robin, the nephew of the famous Robin sisters of the Right Bank. The Robin sisters previously owned Chateau Lafleur and Chateau Le Gay in Pomerol. The original and smaller vineyard was increased to its current size when the new owners took over.
Deep ruby with a tight garnet rim, 2014 Poujeaux recalls some complexities(60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% cabernet franc) and 'class' of some excellent crus: inks, lead pencil, graphite, dark fruit(blackcurrants), tones of classy new oak, minerals and tones of animal and game below the lurking dark fruit. The chalky finish gives structure and exceptional grip. Medium-bodied, good length, rounded tannins. Certain sophistication sets this 2014 Poujeaux apart from other humble Cru Bourgeois. Scores are not bad.
JS91-92. Quite a dark and mellow wine with generous dry tannins and plenty of concentration. It would score even more highly if this weren’t chewy on the finish. Edited.
Tim Atkins 91. Poujeaux is generally among the best crus bourgeois of the vintage, and that's certainly the case in 2014. Deeply coloured, scented and beguiling, it has excellent density and concentration, leafy, floral undertones and a core of savoury black fruits complemented by oak. Edited.
RP91. The Château Poujeaux 2014 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 35% Merlot. It offers blackberry and briary scents on the nose, a little disjointed at first, but the aromas merge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin. There is satisfying fruit concentration here, finely-tuned acidity, and a sophisticated, elegant finish. Classically lined Poujeaux that should settle at the upper end of my banded score. Drink: 2018 - 2030. Edited.
Experienced with vintages such as 2001, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015, this 2013 is the most friendly. The blend aims at complexity and generosity: 60% merlot, 34% Cabernet, a dash of Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. However, we have to taste it again at a later point in time to do more justice.
Should it have scored a higher score, we wouldn't have been able to buy it at this low price. RP88(Parker et al.), we consistently ranked La Tour Carnet high as a humble Cru from Haut Medoc. Awarded 90 points, Wine Enthusiast commented, 'ripe and fruity, this is full of rich tannins and a soft texture. It has tight acidity, followed by a smoky, toasty character.' Stephan Tanzer commended the structure, the mid-palate and freshness.
We awarded this wine DD92 because we find it balanced, fresh, and with decent length,
