2016 Valandraud
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Valandraud is surprisingly closed on the nose despite rigorous aeration, black plum and violet scents emerging with time. Gentle grip. Succulent on the palate, this feels rounded and opulent, spice box and white pepper with a tingle of spice on the finish. A modern sheen, but still quite delicious. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's Ten-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Valandraud is inky black in color. It has a very pure, precocious bouquet of intense black cherries mixed with cassis and blueberry, but after a couple of minutes’ aeration it develops more refinement and harmony. The palate is medium-bodied, offering supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, gentle grip and great precision on the persistent finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Tasted blind. Rich and round virtually without tannins! Spice and appeal and something so French! Bleu marine and long. Unctuous with a saline note on the end. (JR)
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.