Chateau Rol-Valentine 2011 Revisit.

Upon revisiting this bottle, we were again captivated by its unique deep rubied hue, with a tight ​​garnet rim and a bright, violet-filled core. Despite 13 years of bottle age, the youthful character is evident in its ripe dark berry and red cherry fruit notes, delicate plums and figs, and a hint of nougat. The profile is a delightful blend of juicy red forest berry confit, fresh, fine tannins, and a lively, easy-to-drink nature. The cherries on the finish, the excellent balance, the careful handling of wood, and its light-footed food companion status all contribute to its unique charm.

The 2011 vintage, while more structured than 2013, exudes a unique charm and truly pleasing elegance. Its style, reminiscent of La Fleur and le Gay, is a testament to the influence of Stephane Derenocourt and the Robin sisters. Falstaff's 91-point rating is well-deserved, as the wine presents fine black wild berry fruit, delicate herbal spices, and a hint of nougat. It is juicy and complex and offers a delightful interplay of dark fruit, firm tannins, a pleasant nougat touch, a mineral finish, elegance, and good length. The other scores include RP90, WS91, and Andrea Lasson 90.

Chateau Rol Valentin's modern history tells a lot about its transformation and evolution, which is marked by the dedication and passion of its owners. It debuted with the challenging 1994 vintage under Clos Valentin, a vision of the former European soccer star Eric Prissette. In 2009, a new chapter began for Chateau Rol Valentin, as it was acquired by the daughter of Leclerc's chief wine buyer, Jean-Luc Roche, and her husband, Nicolas Robin, the nephew of the illustrious Robin sisters of the Right Bank. These sisters were the previous owners of Chateau Lafleur and Chateau Le Gay in Pomerol. Under the new ownership, the small vineyard was expanded to its current size, a testament to their commitment and passion for the craft.