90% merlot 10% cabernet Franc. From a 7.3 hectare vineyard planted to 40% sandy soils north of La Gomerie and 60% in clay and limestone soils east of the town of St. Emilion (next to Valandraud and Fleur Cardinale). Average age of vines is 43 years with yields of only 30 hls/ha. Table-sorted before and after de-stemming. Malo and aging on the lees in 75% new and 25% one-wine old barrels. Alcohol of14.5-14.7%. Perfumed rose petals and super ripe black fruits with some loamy clay soil on the nose. A big expansion of the mid-palate from an attack of ripe and densely packed black plums currants cassis liquor and boysenberry fruit. Super refined now with a very long and supple finish. Stéphane Derenoncourt consults.

Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in 50% new wood, the 2010 Château Rol Valentin sports a healthy, darker plum hue as well as solid aromatics of gamey wild herbs, darker currants, truffly earth, and tobacco. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Saint-Emilion with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, textured mouthfeel, still present tannins, and outstanding length. It's a complex, nuanced, impressive Saint-Emilion that will continue to drink beautifully over the coming decade or so.

A strong showing from this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that hit 14.7% natural alcohol, the 2010 Rol Valentin exhibits oodles of sweet black currant and black raspberry fruit along with some toasty oak and a note of charcoal embers in a full-bodied, opulent, showy, even flamboyant style that seems to beg comparison to 2009. This wine should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Rounded and ripe, with dark blackberry and boysenberry flavors melded with ganache, melted black licorice and Black Forest cake. Lush, but with a lovely smoldering charcoal hint to keep this honest on the finish. Best from 2014 through 2025. – JM

Expressive dense nose with coffee, nutmeg and roasted hazelnuts. Cranberries and plums. Wonderful sweetness of fruit on the palate with loads of crushed chalk. Finely knit and silky. Super soft tannins and quite elegant finish. Better in 2015.

Better out of bottle than barrel, the wine offers fresh, ripe, black raspberries, licorice, earth, spice and black cherry jam notes. Silky, soft and round, this medium/full bodied ripe will drink great with just a few years of age. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2010&wine=Chateau%20Rol%20Valentin