1998 Rol Valentin
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Rol Valentin has a pale to medium brick color and gives up notes of stewed tea, dusty soil, cinnamon stick and tobacco with a gentle undercurrent of dried berries. Medium-bodied, the palate reveals a mature wine on the edge of its downward trajectory, with soft, powdery tannins and bags of freshness boosting the last throws of fruit, finishing earthy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Interesting charred, bonfire notes that seem fruit- rather than oak-derived. Very sappy, not especially intense and rather Pomerol-like but a lovely drink already. Fine tannins underneath. Tastes Italian! Energetic. (JR)
Another quasi-garage wine made from 10.6 acres of vines planted with 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, this wine enjoys malolactic fermentation in barrel, aging on its lees, and while unfined, does receive a light filtration.||A superb effort, the dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 offers gorgeous aromas of flowers, blackberries, cherries, smoke, licorice, and spice box. It is deep, succulent, medium to full-bodied, with decent acidity, superb purity, and a creamy texture. Tannin is present, but it is well-integrated and balanced by the wine's depth. Anticipated maturity: now-2014. Wine Advocate.April, 2001