R. Parker (96/100)
The nose of the 2023 ROC is an explosion of aromatic herbs. It comes from two very old plots in the village of Valtuille de Abajo, planted with a field blend that includes around 8% Palomino and Doña Blanca white grapes that fermented with 100% full clusters in a 5,000-liter oak vat. It matured in a 3,400-liter troncoconic oak vat and in 500-liter barrels for two winters. It's very perfumed and elegant, developing high-pitched floral aromas with time in the glass and even hints of blood orange peel, denoting freshness. The wine comes in at 12.9% alcohol with a pH of 3.45, and it has a more ethereal profile, very fresh and elegant, clean and with a very fine thread and elegant tannins. These are the last grapes to be harvested in the Valtuille zone. It's superb! 5,800 bottles produced.
James Suckling (94/100)
Tapenade, underbrush, violets and stones on the nose. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with a subtle thread of fruit and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Austere and focused in the finish. 100% whole-cluster fermentation. Aged in a 5,000-liter foudre. Already approachable but will definitely benefit from some time in the bottle.