Black licorice, tar and fresh mushroom aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, with soft, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Balanced and juicy. Velvety and attractive, yet powerful and structured. Best after 2016. 2,080 cases made. — JS

A sexy, full-bodied, very drinkable style of 2005, Eric Prissette’s 2005 Rol Valentin displays loads of black cherry fruit, licorice, Christmas fruitcake and spice. Full-bodied and opulent, it can be drunk over the next 10-15 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A high scorer on release, at a point where this was still owned by former footballer Éric Prissette, before it was sold in 2009 to today's owners Alexandra and Nicolas Robin. One of the original band of garagiste wines, this is still showing the oak dominance that was there during En Primeur. It is confident, with a ton of impact but not a lot of nuance, majoring instead on liqourice, bitter black chocolate, spice, damson jam and black cherry fruit. Enjoyable, no need to wait any further to drink, but I definitely suggest a good few hours in a carafe.

Medium bodied, displaying spicy dark red fruits, herbs and fennel. Air and swirling added to the complexity of the aromatics and helped flesh out the delicate, red berry personality. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2005&wine=Chateau%20Rol%20Valentin