Château Rol Valentin Château Rol Valentin Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020 750ml

Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Rol Valentin has a drop-dead gorgeous perfume of violets, dark chocolate and star anise over a core of wild blueberries, black cherries and preserved plums, plus a hint of Sichuan pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is seductively fragrant, coating the mouth with energetic black and blue fruits and a velvety texture, finishing with fantastic length and purity.

Sports some exotic fruit, with boysenberry and acai berry flavors leading the way. Lush and seductive in feel, with hints of espresso crema, black tea and melted licorice. Ends with a slight grain of singed alder. This one handles the heat of the vintage. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2032. 2,000 cases made, 200 cases imported. (James Molesworth)

Darker fruits, leather, underbrush, and iron notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Rol Valentin, a medium-bodied, rich, slightly earthy Saint-Emilion with good purity of fruit, good mid-palate depth, and ripe tannins. Based on 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Malbec, it’s one of those wines that comes together nicely with time in the glass and grows on you. I suspect it’s going to round into form with just 2–3 years in the cellar and should certainly have 15 years of overall longevity. This cuvée comes from the eastern edge of the appellation and was aged in 40% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. (Jeb Dunnuck)