2002 Valandraud
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2002 Valandraud has a slightly foursquare bouquet at first, but it seems to gain focus and precision in the glass, a mixture of red and black fruit, orange zest and crushed violet, the latter becoming more prominent as it opens up. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. It feels quite dense in the mouth, not as complex as the 2001 Valandraud, but it is cohesive and caressing, gently unfolding with white pepper and sage on the abrupt finish. Not bad for the vintage, even though it has lost some of its pizzazz. Tasted December 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Light, developed crimson. Very simple and with some slightly rustic tannins sort of bolted on to the end of some straightforward fruit. Not especially harmonious at the moment. (JR)
Moderately saturated ruby-red. Blackberry, minerals and flowers on the nose. Sweet, silky and bright, with intense berry flavors showing a juicy quality. Finishes juicy and firm, with a distinctive minerality. Right-Bank Satellite Appellations and Others
About the producer
One of the first garage wines, Ch. Valandraud was created by Jean-Luc Thunevin – Saint-Emilion’s “bad boy”. Today the style of the wine is much more restrained, and officially classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate.