2015 3 de Valandraud
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Tasting notes
The 3 de Valandraud shows just how compelling this vintage can be, even lower down in the hierarchy. Scents of graphite, smoke, licorice and tar give the 2015 much of its dark, brooding personality. The flavors are dark, bold and inky in this juicy, authoritative Saint-Émilion from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2015 "3" de Valandraud, the troisième wine of Château Valandraud, has a delineated, precise bouquet with cassis and violets. It is more intense than you would expect, though I am not sure I agree with Jean-Luc that 100% new oak adds anything to the wine. The palate is well defined and cohesive, very smooth, so much so that it could slip down the throat with ease. There is something nonchalant and endearing about this modest wine and it should give easy-drinking pleasure over the next 4-5 years.
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.
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec/Auxerrois/Cot
Red
Dry