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Like the 2006, the 2007 Rol Valentin requires patience. I suspect that for the next 12-24 months the wine will taste like a very young Bordeaux when the bottle is first opened: some oak, loads of tannin and just a little fruit. However, after 2-4 hours in the decanter (translate to 3-5 years in the cellar) the game is changed. The nose becomes inviting with notes of berry, cigar and spice. The mid-palate is deep and complex. The flavors of the bouquet are augmented by a mineral component that speak to the quality of much heralded vineyard. The finish is long and gripping with tannin, spice and seriousness that one expects from a top right bank producer. Serve with an elegant full flavored beef dish as the wine can stand up to significant richness. 2,000 cases produced and will cellar well for 15+ years without worry.
Château Rol Valentin (Bordeaux, France)
 After a successful career as a professional footballer in France, Eric Prissette pursued his other passion in life, which is to create wines of exceptional class and finesse. He and his wife Virginie acquired Rol-Valentin in 1994, a Grand Cru estate located on the north-western part of the Saint Emilion plateau. The grapes from this exceptional estate are cultivated on just 4.6 hectares of vineyard, resulting in a remarkably small production of just 2,000 cases a year. The varietals are predominantly Merlot (85%), with about 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. The large percentage of Merlot produces an intense, velvety wine with ample fruit, and the clay-limestone soil on the slopes and plateau provides firm tannins with lovely minerality. The vine age is typically 35-40 years. Following the expert advice of consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, Eric Prissette uses viticultural practices that are especially adapted for each plot. Upon crushing, the cap is punched three times per day during maceration and the wine is then barrel aged (100% new oak) on its lees, contributing to a spectacularly yeasty and aromatic bouquet. The lots are later blended to make a final wine that is perfectly integrated with wonderful length and structure.
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