2002 Rol Valentin

Moderately saturated red-ruby. Black raspberry, smoky oak and animal fur on the nose. Suave flavors of candied dark berries, coffee liqueur and minerals, with a peppery nuance. Less sweet than either the 2004 or 2003 examples but nicely fleshy for 2002. I'd drink this between 2007 and 2012, before the wine loses its richness of fruit.

The dark plum/purple-tinged 2002 has completely closed down since bottling. It reveals a restrained but promising bouquet of licorice, truffles, black fruits, and sweet new wood. With medium body, fine richness, and moderate tannin, it requires 1-3 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016.

Bright ruby-red. Sappy aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, graphite, minerals and chocolatey oak, with a floral lift; this reminded me of a very ripe Vosne-Romanee. Sweet and pliant in the mouth, with enticing flavors of cassis, black raspberry and violet. Finishes with substantial firm tannins. Not as fleshy or long as the young 2003, but pure, vibrant and sweet.