Le Eclat de Valentine 2011, Top Cuvee, Grand Cru St Emilion
Deep-ruby coloured; looks young. A bit muted on the nose and On decanting shows lots of Grand Cru Classe characters. Plenty of deep red fruits - cherries, red plums-very friendly. Tannins soften, but still lots of structure there. Plenty of ageing potential. Just a hint of oak on the finish. A much brooding top Cuvee compared to the standard Chateau Valentine Grand Cru, but still very delectable, wine. On the palate, there is a warm plum cake, melted black chocolate with liquorice and fig paste mixed, wrapped in a slightly ambitious layer of toast.
This 2011 vintage delivers solid overall.
The winemaker told us that only two standard 225-litre barrels made and some 60 bottles allocated for the Hong Kong market. Full-bodied, structured and long by Right-bank standard.
