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Château Valandraud

26 notes Sort by: Vintage - Name - Rating

2022
98
Inky dark in color, the wine explodes from the glass with its bouquet of wild flowers, violets, camphor, cinnamon, saffron, licorice and plum liqueur. The nose rocks, but the palate takes it to a new level. Opulent fruits drenched in velvet with intensity, purity, and electric vibrancy. The fruit caresses, and coats your palate with almost surreal levels of fruit, that magically remain light on its feet. The seamless finish lingers, builds, and expands for almost 60 seconds. It was 9am when I tasted this, and after making sure nobody was looking, I drained my glass with pleasure. This is a new level of quality for Valandraud, and that is saying something. Blending 88% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.5% ABV, 3.55 pH. Harvesting took place September 15 - October 5. Drink from 2027-2055. 97-99 Pts.

Inky dark in color, the wine explodes from the glass with its bouquet of wild flowers, violets, camphor, cinnamon, saffron, licorice and plum liqueur. The nose rocks, but the palate takes it to a new level. Opulent fruits drenched in velvet with intensity, purity, and electric vibrancy. The fruit caresses, and coats your palate with almost surreal levels of fruit, that magically remain light on its feet. The seamless finish lingers, builds, and expands for almost 60 seconds. It was 9am when I tasted this, and after making sure nobody was looking, I drained my glass with pleasure. This is a new level of quality for Valandraud, and that is saying something. Blending 88% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.5% ABV, 3.55 pH. Harvesting took place September 15 - October 5. Drink from 2027-2055. 97-99 Pts.

3,085 Views   Tasted
2021
89
Forward, fresh and already quite charming with its sweet, cherry and red plum profile, this is perfect for near-term-drinking. Drink from 2024-2031.

Forward, fresh and already quite charming with its sweet, cherry and red plum profile, this is perfect for near-term-drinking. Drink from 2024-2031.

492 Views   Tasted
2021
95
One of the top wines of the appellation offers an intense nose of flowers, licorice, chocolate-coated black cherries, smoke, cedar and mint in the perfume. With a dark garnet color, the wine is plush, polished, silky and loaded with sweet, dark, ripe, deliciously-expressive fruits. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2048.

One of the top wines of the appellation offers an intense nose of flowers, licorice, chocolate-coated black cherries, smoke, cedar and mint in the perfume. With a dark garnet color, the wine is plush, polished, silky and loaded with sweet, dark, ripe, deliciously-expressive fruits. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2048.

291 Views   Tasted
Put your nose in the glass and smell all the chocolate, espresso, black plums, black raspberry, licorice and wet earth. Deep garnet in color, the wine is plush, polished, silky and loaded with sweet, dark, ripe, lusciously-textured red fruits. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% ABV, pH 3.5. The harvest took place October 3 - October 15. drink from 2025-2048. 93-95

Put your nose in the glass and smell all the chocolate, espresso, black plums, black raspberry, licorice and wet earth. Deep garnet in color, the wine is plush, polished, silky and loaded with sweet, dark, ripe, lusciously-textured red fruits. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% ABV, pH 3.5. The harvest took place October 3 - October 15. drink from 2025-2048. 93-95

1,991 Views   Tasted
2020
98
Completely opaque in color, the nose explodes with chocolate, espresso, smoke, blackberries, black cherries, truffles, smoke and licorice. Full-bodied, opulent and intense, this hedonistically-textured thrill ride coats your palate with layers of velvety, dark red, black and blue fruits, mocha, espresso and Asian spices. The array of sensations here is exactly what the doctor ordered. This is a sublime tasting experience that while it is superb to enjoy young in its primary state, the best is yet to come with some age that will allow the wine to build, expand and gain secondary nuances. Drink from 2026.2055.

Completely opaque in color, the nose explodes with chocolate, espresso, smoke, blackberries, black cherries, truffles, smoke and licorice. Full-bodied, opulent and intense, this hedonistically-textured thrill ride coats your palate with layers of velvety, dark red, black and blue fruits, mocha, espresso and Asian spices. The array of sensations here is exactly what the doctor ordered. This is a sublime tasting experience that while it is superb to enjoy young in its primary state, the best is yet to come with some age that will allow the wine to build, expand and gain secondary nuances. Drink from 2026.2055.

3,203 Views   Tasted
Completely opaque in color, the wine grabs you with camphor, flowers, plum liqueur, licorice, blueberry, cherry pie and Asian spice aromas. THedonism at its best, this a bringing sexy back to wine with all its layers of voluptuous, opulent, palate staining fruits. Yet, even with all of that going on, the wine remains fresh, focused and complex. The array of sensations here is exactly what the doctor ordered. If you can wait a decade before popping a cork, this is going to be a true cellar treasure. No guts no glory. But you can quote me. This is the best vintage of Valandraud ever produced. 97-99 Pts

Completely opaque in color, the wine grabs you with camphor, flowers, plum liqueur, licorice, blueberry, cherry pie and Asian spice aromas. THedonism at its best, this a bringing sexy back to wine with all its layers of voluptuous, opulent, palate staining fruits. Yet, even with all of that going on, the wine remains fresh, focused and complex. The array of sensations here is exactly what the doctor ordered. If you can wait a decade before popping a cork, this is going to be a true cellar treasure. No guts no glory. But you can quote me. This is the best vintage of Valandraud ever produced. 97-99 Pts

4,573 Views   Tasted
2019
98
Scoring at the top of the range, this is a majestic vintage of Valandraud that is packed and stacked with waves of inky, purple colored, black cherries, plums, mint, espresso, cocoa, licorice, flowers and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, rich, intense, opulent, complex and with a fruit-filled, velvet-textured, non-stop finish, this is already a treat in your glass. Drink from 2026-2055.

Scoring at the top of the range, this is a majestic vintage of Valandraud that is packed and stacked with waves of inky, purple colored, black cherries, plums, mint, espresso, cocoa, licorice, flowers and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, rich, intense, opulent, complex and with a fruit-filled, velvet-textured, non-stop finish, this is already a treat in your glass. Drink from 2026-2055.

3,114 Views   Tasted
Deep dark red with purple accents in its hue, the wine provides a beautiful freshness to the ripe, sweet, juicy cherries, espresso and licorice. Not as powerful or as concentrated as some recent vintages, instead you discover more, energy, refinement, elegance and purity in the lingering fruits. 95-97 Pts

Deep dark red with purple accents in its hue, the wine provides a beautiful freshness to the ripe, sweet, juicy cherries, espresso and licorice. Not as powerful or as concentrated as some recent vintages, instead you discover more, energy, refinement, elegance and purity in the lingering fruits. 95-97 Pts

5,209 Views   Tasted
2018
97
Inky dark in hue, the wine opens with a flamboyant perfume of licorice, barbecue smoke, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, espresso and plum liqueur. On the palate, the wine is as rich as the color. Multi-layered, opulent, showy and intense, the wine gracefully coats your palate with waves of perfectly ripe, velvety textured, sweet dark fruits. 2018 is one of the best vintages of Valandraud produced yet. If you follow their wines, you know that is really saying something! This will age gracefully for at least 2-3 decades with ease.

Inky dark in hue, the wine opens with a flamboyant perfume of licorice, barbecue smoke, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, espresso and plum liqueur. On the palate, the wine is as rich as the color. Multi-layered, opulent, showy and intense, the wine gracefully coats your palate with waves of perfectly ripe, velvety textured, sweet dark fruits. 2018 is one of the best vintages of Valandraud produced yet. If you follow their wines, you know that is really saying something! This will age gracefully for at least 2-3 decades with ease.

2,678 Views   Tasted
Gird yourself for a hue akin to squid ink and then get ready... Swirling brings out the campfire embers, flowers, licorice, espresso, incense, black cherry liqueur, chocolate and plum. This is concentrated, rich and powerful. It\'s easy to notice the vitality on the palate. The finish is dense, long, fresh, fruity and spicy with vanilla, cherry and licorice in the end note. The wine is made from blending 90% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec, reaching 14.5% ABV and is now aging in 100% new, French oak for 24-36 months. 96-98 Pts

Gird yourself for a hue akin to squid ink and then get ready... Swirling brings out the campfire embers, flowers, licorice, espresso, incense, black cherry liqueur, chocolate and plum. This is concentrated, rich and powerful. It\'s easy to notice the vitality on the palate. The finish is dense, long, fresh, fruity and spicy with vanilla, cherry and licorice in the end note. The wine is made from blending 90% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec, reaching 14.5% ABV and is now aging in 100% new, French oak for 24-36 months. 96-98 Pts

3,473 Views   Tasted
2017
95
Better in bottle than in barrel, (Which is always a good sign), the deeply colored wine is filled to the brim with smoke, licorice, espresso bean and black cherries. Lush, round and full-bodied, the finish is showy and long. This should continue filling out nicely.

Better in bottle than in barrel, (Which is always a good sign), the deeply colored wine is filled to the brim with smoke, licorice, espresso bean and black cherries. Lush, round and full-bodied, the finish is showy and long. This should continue filling out nicely.

4,819 Views   Tasted
Subaqueous in color, the wine effortlessly performs an aromatic dance of black cherry, plum, licorice and vanilla. Round, soft and plush, the wine is full bodied, concentrated, fleshy and tannic. Give this five to seven years for everything to percolate

Subaqueous in color, the wine effortlessly performs an aromatic dance of black cherry, plum, licorice and vanilla. Round, soft and plush, the wine is full bodied, concentrated, fleshy and tannic. Give this five to seven years for everything to percolate

3,379 Views   Tasted
2016
98
Dark as night in color, the wine is opulent in nature. The dark chocolate, boysenberry, licorice, plum liqueur and black cherries are there for the asking. Full-bodied, silky, long and opulently textured, this sensual wine will be much better with 7-9 years in the cellar.

Dark as night in color, the wine is opulent in nature. The dark chocolate, boysenberry, licorice, plum liqueur and black cherries are there for the asking. Full-bodied, silky, long and opulently textured, this sensual wine will be much better with 7-9 years in the cellar.

5,783 Views   Tasted
Deep, dark, inky in color, the wine is rich, opulent, very concentrated, lush, sweet and intense. The nose, with its licorice, flowers, smoke, chocolate and boysenberry is impossible to ignore. But it is the decadently textured, full bodied, plush palate presence and the long, fruit filled, earthy finish that seals the deal.

Deep, dark, inky in color, the wine is rich, opulent, very concentrated, lush, sweet and intense. The nose, with its licorice, flowers, smoke, chocolate and boysenberry is impossible to ignore. But it is the decadently textured, full bodied, plush palate presence and the long, fruit filled, earthy finish that seals the deal.

3,623 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, the wine shoots out of the glass with spring flowers, licorice, smoke, boysenberry and cigar box. Rich, fleshy, supple with velvet-textured tannins, the wine is long, concentrated, deep and sweet. The dark fruit, licorice and plum liqueur finish has freshness and length. Made from a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, reaching 14.5% ABV with a pH of 3.5. The harvest took place October 8 to October 20.

Inky in color, the wine shoots out of the glass with spring flowers, licorice, smoke, boysenberry and cigar box. Rich, fleshy, supple with velvet-textured tannins, the wine is long, concentrated, deep and sweet. The dark fruit, licorice and plum liqueur finish has freshness and length. Made from a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, reaching 14.5% ABV with a pH of 3.5. The harvest took place October 8 to October 20.

3,844 Views   Tasted
2015
97
Deep, dark and almost inky in color, the wine is equally deep on your palate. Thick, rich, lush, and opulent, the black plums, boysenberry chocolate and licorice stand out here due to the velvet textures and fresh attitude. The wine is lively, and incredibly rich, a difficult act to achieve. The finish leaves you with layers of black cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, licorice and truffle. This is one of the best vintages of Valandraud ever produced, and that says something, with so many great vintages made at the estate over the years.

Deep, dark and almost inky in color, the wine is equally deep on your palate. Thick, rich, lush, and opulent, the black plums, boysenberry chocolate and licorice stand out here due to the velvet textures and fresh attitude. The wine is lively, and incredibly rich, a difficult act to achieve. The finish leaves you with layers of black cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, licorice and truffle. This is one of the best vintages of Valandraud ever produced, and that says something, with so many great vintages made at the estate over the years.

4,805 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, with purple accents to the rim, this wine has an amazing effect on your mouth and your mind with its concentrated display of sensuously textured, ripe, dark plums, spice, smoke, licorice, incense and espresso bean. Silk, purity and freshness create the finish. Using 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5%, Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached a pH of 3.6. The harvest took place October 1 to October 12.

Inky in color, with purple accents to the rim, this wine has an amazing effect on your mouth and your mind with its concentrated display of sensuously textured, ripe, dark plums, spice, smoke, licorice, incense and espresso bean. Silk, purity and freshness create the finish. Using 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5%, Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached a pH of 3.6. The harvest took place October 1 to October 12.

4,169 Views   Tasted
2014
95
With plump, luxurious, black cherries and boysenberry notes which grab you as soon as you get close to the glass, this wine is full bodied, concentrated, fleshy and there is a fresh, supple quality to the dark cocoa, licorice and ripe fruits in the finish. Valandraud has been on quite a run for the last several years. 94-95 Pts

With plump, luxurious, black cherries and boysenberry notes which grab you as soon as you get close to the glass, this wine is full bodied, concentrated, fleshy and there is a fresh, supple quality to the dark cocoa, licorice and ripe fruits in the finish. Valandraud has been on quite a run for the last several years. 94-95 Pts

4,021 Views   Tasted
2013
93
Flashing one of the deepest colors in this vintage, the wine showcases sweet chocolate-covered black raspberry, licorice, smoke and oak. Plush, rich boysenberry, licorice and cocoa, with an exotic note of orange rind in the finish. Made from 100% Merlot, the wine reached 14% ABV with a pH of 3.5. The wine was produced from yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare. Only 40% of the harvest was used in Valandraud. 92-94 Pts

Flashing one of the deepest colors in this vintage, the wine showcases sweet chocolate-covered black raspberry, licorice, smoke and oak. Plush, rich boysenberry, licorice and cocoa, with an exotic note of orange rind in the finish. Made from 100% Merlot, the wine reached 14% ABV with a pH of 3.5. The wine was produced from yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare. Only 40% of the harvest was used in Valandraud. 92-94 Pts

2,616 Views   Tasted
2012
95
This beauty is pure, silky and velvet drenched. With a potent brew of espresso bean, chocolate, dark cherry liqueur, blue fruit and earthy essences. The wine is rich, deep and long. Give it some time to develop secondary notes and enjoy the ride.

This beauty is pure, silky and velvet drenched. With a potent brew of espresso bean, chocolate, dark cherry liqueur, blue fruit and earthy essences. The wine is rich, deep and long. Give it some time to develop secondary notes and enjoy the ride.

5,325 Views   Tasted
Murielle Andraud has been in charge of the Bordeaux winemaking at the property since 2007. She is clearly on a roll! One of the deepest colored wines of the vintage, truffle, spicy oak, chocolate and black raspberry jam notes are impossible not to notice. Lush, rich and sexy with an opulent, flashy personality, this is one of the top wines from St. Emilion in 2012. 94-96 Pts

Murielle Andraud has been in charge of the Bordeaux winemaking at the property since 2007. She is clearly on a roll! One of the deepest colored wines of the vintage, truffle, spicy oak, chocolate and black raspberry jam notes are impossible not to notice. Lush, rich and sexy with an opulent, flashy personality, this is one of the top wines from St. Emilion in 2012. 94-96 Pts

5,263 Views   Tasted
2011
94
Produced from an assemblage of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine will be aged in 100% new oak and reached 14.5% ABV. From yields that average of 32.5 hectoliters per hectare, the wine is deep in color with licorice, black cherry, smoke and oak scents that open to a finesse style of Valandraud. Lush in texture, the wine ends with an opulent, sweet, ripe black cherry finish. 92-94 Pts

Produced from an assemblage of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine will be aged in 100% new oak and reached 14.5% ABV. From yields that average of 32.5 hectoliters per hectare, the wine is deep in color with licorice, black cherry, smoke and oak scents that open to a finesse style of Valandraud. Lush in texture, the wine ends with an opulent, sweet, ripe black cherry finish. 92-94 Pts

4,393 Views   Tasted
2010
97
Valandraud Murielle Andraud has been in charge of the wine making at the property since 2007. Each vintage has shown marked improvements over the previous year. 2010 is no exception. She is clearly on a roll! With a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14.5% ABV. Coupled with a low pH of 3.55, the wine feels bright and fresh, with no sensation of heat. Displaying an intense, inky black, purple hue, the powerful perfume jumps from the glass with complex aromas of stone, licorice, dark berries, truffle and oak. This dense, rich, concentrated wine is filled with sexy, ripe fruit that stains your palate. Sweet boysenberry, blue fruit and licorice are sensed in the long, fresh, harmonious, sweet, ripe finish. This is most compelling wine I’ve tasted from Valandraud yet! 96-98 Pts

Valandraud Murielle Andraud has been in charge of the wine making at the property since 2007. Each vintage has shown marked improvements over the previous year. 2010 is no exception. She is clearly on a roll! With a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14.5% ABV. Coupled with a low pH of 3.55, the wine feels bright and fresh, with no sensation of heat. Displaying an intense, inky black, purple hue, the powerful perfume jumps from the glass with complex aromas of stone, licorice, dark berries, truffle and oak. This dense, rich, concentrated wine is filled with sexy, ripe fruit that stains your palate. Sweet boysenberry, blue fruit and licorice are sensed in the long, fresh, harmonious, sweet, ripe finish. This is most compelling wine I’ve tasted from Valandraud yet! 96-98 Pts

6,354 Views   Tasted
2009
96
This is so youthful, it is hard to believe it is already a decade old. Over the years, the wine has filled out, softened and gained in complexity and length. Rich, powerful and loaded with layers of ripe, dark, juicy fruits, licorice and smoke, there is still some oak in the finish that needs to fully integrate. Give it another 3-5 years and the wine will be even better! Quite dark in color, the wine is concentrated, lush and powerful. The nose, with its licorice, flowers, smoke, chocolate and boysenberry is impossible to ignore. The fruit packs a punch with its volume and intensity. The tannins are ripe, the texture is opulent and on the palate the fruit is dense, deep and fresh. But it is the decadently textured, full bodied blast of fruit on the palate that knocks this out of the park.

This is so youthful, it is hard to believe it is already a decade old. Over the years, the wine has filled out, softened and gained in complexity and length. Rich, powerful and loaded with layers of ripe, dark, juicy fruits, licorice and smoke, there is still some oak in the finish that needs to fully integrate. Give it another 3-5 years and the wine will be even better! Quite dark in color, the wine is concentrated, lush and powerful. The nose, with its licorice, flowers, smoke, chocolate and boysenberry is impossible to ignore. The fruit packs a punch with its volume and intensity. The tannins are ripe, the texture is opulent and on the palate the fruit is dense, deep and fresh. But it is the decadently textured, full bodied blast of fruit on the palate that knocks this out of the park.

4,131 Views   Tasted
This is pure bottled sex! With the texture of spun velvet, silky tannins and fruit that gushes its sweet, juicy flavors, this is not a wine of contemplation. It is a wine that offers pure, unbridled pleasure. Concentrated with perfectly, ripe, sweet, black and blue fruits, there is the right amount of vibrancy to give it lift and life, keeping it interesting.

This is pure bottled sex! With the texture of spun velvet, silky tannins and fruit that gushes its sweet, juicy flavors, this is not a wine of contemplation. It is a wine that offers pure, unbridled pleasure. Concentrated with perfectly, ripe, sweet, black and blue fruits, there is the right amount of vibrancy to give it lift and life, keeping it interesting.

4,934 Views   Tasted
This sexy wine explodes with licorice, espresso, chocolate covered boysenberries, cherry, blueberry and earthy aromas. Pure, opulent and incredibly rich, there is a not a hard edge to be found in this decadent tasting experience.

This sexy wine explodes with licorice, espresso, chocolate covered boysenberries, cherry, blueberry and earthy aromas. Pure, opulent and incredibly rich, there is a not a hard edge to be found in this decadent tasting experience.

5,771 Views   Tasted
A flamboyant nose of licorice, black raspberry jam, spice, pepper, chocolate, blueberry, vanilla and cloves introduce the wine. On the palate, this sensuous wine is dense, rich, concentrated and plush in texture. The wine finishes with layers of licorice, vanilla and blackberry jam. Tasted within days of bottling, once this wine has settled in, it will probably earn a higher score.

A flamboyant nose of licorice, black raspberry jam, spice, pepper, chocolate, blueberry, vanilla and cloves introduce the wine. On the palate, this sensuous wine is dense, rich, concentrated and plush in texture. The wine finishes with layers of licorice, vanilla and blackberry jam. Tasted within days of bottling, once this wine has settled in, it will probably earn a higher score.

4,839 Views   Tasted
2009 Valandraud is deep, dark ruby with purple tints. This pungent wine offers aromas of fresh picked flowers, jammy blackberries, licorice, black raspberries, kirsch, coffee, and black cherries. This Valandraud is a richly textured, full bodied wine concentrated with pure ripe fruit. The long, clean, powerful finish offers freshness, paired with cherry and blackberry flavors. The best Valandraud since the stellar 1995. 95-97 Pts

2009 Valandraud is deep, dark ruby with purple tints. This pungent wine offers aromas of fresh picked flowers, jammy blackberries, licorice, black raspberries, kirsch, coffee, and black cherries. This Valandraud is a richly textured, full bodied wine concentrated with pure ripe fruit. The long, clean, powerful finish offers freshness, paired with cherry and blackberry flavors. The best Valandraud since the stellar 1995. 95-97 Pts

4,895 Views   Tasted
2008
94
Round, lush, full bodied and with a depth of flavor, due to the layers of ripe, black cherry, espresso, licorice, smoke, plum, chocolate and earth, the wine is sexy, vibrant and hedonistic.

Round, lush, full bodied and with a depth of flavor, due to the layers of ripe, black cherry, espresso, licorice, smoke, plum, chocolate and earth, the wine is sexy, vibrant and hedonistic.

3,814 Views   Tasted
Rich, fat, juicy sweet, dark red fruits, fennel, wet earth, cocoa and smoke create the nose. Luscious textures, weight, length and complexity are found in the finish. The wine needs more time to really start showing its best, as it's still hanging on to some of its primary characteristics.

Rich, fat, juicy sweet, dark red fruits, fennel, wet earth, cocoa and smoke create the nose. Luscious textures, weight, length and complexity are found in the finish. The wine needs more time to really start showing its best, as it's still hanging on to some of its primary characteristics.

4,666 Views   Tasted
Licorice, jammy black fruits, coffee, truffle and roasted black cherries. This flamboyant, opulent, hedonistic wine can easily be described as licorice coated sex. This wine is already offering layers of liquid pleasure. The first vintage produced completely by Murielle Andraud is a great success.

Licorice, jammy black fruits, coffee, truffle and roasted black cherries. This flamboyant, opulent, hedonistic wine can easily be described as licorice coated sex. This wine is already offering layers of liquid pleasure. The first vintage produced completely by Murielle Andraud is a great success.

3,486 Views   Tasted
08 Valandraud is deeply colored, and displays purple accents. Oak, licorice, jammy black fruit, chocolate, caramel, and floral notes pervade the nose. This ripe, lush, full bodied wine pairs opulence with finesse. 2008 marks the first vintage made exclusively by Murielle Andraud. From this vintage on, Murielle is calling all the shots at Valandraud. It will be interesting to see what changes she may or may not make in the wines there. 93-95 Pts

08 Valandraud is deeply colored, and displays purple accents. Oak, licorice, jammy black fruit, chocolate, caramel, and floral notes pervade the nose. This ripe, lush, full bodied wine pairs opulence with finesse. 2008 marks the first vintage made exclusively by Murielle Andraud. From this vintage on, Murielle is calling all the shots at Valandraud. It will be interesting to see what changes she may or may not make in the wines there. 93-95 Pts

2,648 Views   Tasted
2006
92
With an hour of air, the wine started to soften and display aromas of licorice, espresso, black cherry, boysenberry and truffle. There is a polish to the fruit coupled with a sense of purity that I liked, but the wine is on the structured, beefy side of the style range, which is typical of many 2006 Bordeaux wines. More time will add complexity and softness to the wine.

With an hour of air, the wine started to soften and display aromas of licorice, espresso, black cherry, boysenberry and truffle. There is a polish to the fruit coupled with a sense of purity that I liked, but the wine is on the structured, beefy side of the style range, which is typical of many 2006 Bordeaux wines. More time will add complexity and softness to the wine.

4,746 Views   Tasted
Licorice, smoke, chocolate covered cherries, vanilla and plum create the perfume. Silky, opulent and approachable, this polished, fleshy vintage of Valandraud is already fun to drink.

Licorice, smoke, chocolate covered cherries, vanilla and plum create the perfume. Silky, opulent and approachable, this polished, fleshy vintage of Valandraud is already fun to drink.

3,837 Views   Tasted
According to the owner, Jean-Luc Thunevin, this vintage marks the return to producing a more plush, opulent style of Valandraud. Focusing no riper fruit with with lower yields, this wine opens with scents of oak, ripe black fruit and exotic citrus accents. A long, spice filled finish ends with broad shouldered, but soft tannins.

According to the owner, Jean-Luc Thunevin, this vintage marks the return to producing a more plush, opulent style of Valandraud. Focusing no riper fruit with with lower yields, this wine opens with scents of oak, ripe black fruit and exotic citrus accents. A long, spice filled finish ends with broad shouldered, but soft tannins.

3,667 Views   Tasted
2005
95
Lush, rich and silky, with layers of dark chocolate coated black cherry and plum, with truffle in the nose get you going. The intensity of plush, ripe fruit on the palate is even better as it coats your palate and expands.

Lush, rich and silky, with layers of dark chocolate coated black cherry and plum, with truffle in the nose get you going. The intensity of plush, ripe fruit on the palate is even better as it coats your palate and expands.

7,121 Views   Tasted
This stylish Bordeaux wine kicks off with a blast of licorice, spice, and blackberry liqueur fruit accented aromas. Very plush entry with an opulent, sexy finish filled with ripe plums, berries, chocolate and dark cherry flavors. This is polished, lush and sensuous.

This stylish Bordeaux wine kicks off with a blast of licorice, spice, and blackberry liqueur fruit accented aromas. Very plush entry with an opulent, sexy finish filled with ripe plums, berries, chocolate and dark cherry flavors. This is polished, lush and sensuous.

5,415 Views   Tasted
2004
90
Probably past its peak, the medium bodied, soft wine seems to have lost some of its depth and fruit over the years. This requires drinking before it begins to truly fade away.

Probably past its peak, the medium bodied, soft wine seems to have lost some of its depth and fruit over the years. This requires drinking before it begins to truly fade away.

4,146 Views   Tasted
Licorice, bitter chocolate, boysenberry, plum and fresh herbs power the nose. Deep in color, looking younger than its true age, the wine is soft, round and silky, but the finish is clipped, cutting you off when you really want more.

Licorice, bitter chocolate, boysenberry, plum and fresh herbs power the nose. Deep in color, looking younger than its true age, the wine is soft, round and silky, but the finish is clipped, cutting you off when you really want more.

4,268 Views   Tasted
Licorice, chocolate, black raspberries, plum and truffle on the nose. The wine is soft, lush and polished on the palate, finishing with a blast of dark chocolate covered cherries.

Licorice, chocolate, black raspberries, plum and truffle on the nose. The wine is soft, lush and polished on the palate, finishing with a blast of dark chocolate covered cherries.

3,006 Views   Tasted
Still youthful in its color, the oak is fully integrated into the wine which kicks off with licorice, chocolate mint, truffle and smoky black raspberries. On the palate, the wine starts with rich, lush textures. The finish has some dryness, along with olive notes that take away from the overall experience and the beautiful, earthy, chocolate, black cherry flavors. Else this beautiful wine would have score higher. This is drinking great today and should improve for several more years. I'd probably drink it by the time the wine makes it to its 20th birthday.

Still youthful in its color, the oak is fully integrated into the wine which kicks off with licorice, chocolate mint, truffle and smoky black raspberries. On the palate, the wine starts with rich, lush textures. The finish has some dryness, along with olive notes that take away from the overall experience and the beautiful, earthy, chocolate, black cherry flavors. Else this beautiful wine would have score higher. This is drinking great today and should improve for several more years. I'd probably drink it by the time the wine makes it to its 20th birthday.

2,732 Views   Tasted
2003
92
This opens with coffee, jammy dark fruit, licorice, mineral and roasted berries. Already open for business, this round, supple wine delivers ample pleasure.

This opens with coffee, jammy dark fruit, licorice, mineral and roasted berries. Already open for business, this round, supple wine delivers ample pleasure.

4,279 Views   Tasted
Layers of ripe, sexy, chocolate covered dark fruit caress your palate. Very silky and sexy. Licorice, jammy berry and sweet plums are found in the finish.

Layers of ripe, sexy, chocolate covered dark fruit caress your palate. Very silky and sexy. Licorice, jammy berry and sweet plums are found in the finish.

4,042 Views   Tasted
2002
90
This earthy, plum and dark cherry wine is a success for the vintage. Soft on the palate and already showing well, this is a wine to drink on the young side.

This earthy, plum and dark cherry wine is a success for the vintage. Soft on the palate and already showing well, this is a wine to drink on the young side.

2,590 Views   Tasted
2001
94
Just like Murielle Thunevin, this sensous Bordeaux wine keeps getting better with age. Filled with a rich, chocolate, licorice and ripe black, jammy fruit explosion. this opulent textured wine is for hedonists. Still young, this wonderful wine will get better with age.

Just like Murielle Thunevin, this sensous Bordeaux wine keeps getting better with age. Filled with a rich, chocolate, licorice and ripe black, jammy fruit explosion. this opulent textured wine is for hedonists. Still young, this wonderful wine will get better with age.

3,173 Views   Tasted
2000
94
This is clearly ready for its prime time as the wine has softened and is now offering gorgeous secondary nuances of plums, licorice, chocolate, black cherries, smoke, coffee bean, wet earth and hints of dried flowers and tobacco leaf. Rich, round and lush, a splash decanting was all that the wine required before it was ready.

This is clearly ready for its prime time as the wine has softened and is now offering gorgeous secondary nuances of plums, licorice, chocolate, black cherries, smoke, coffee bean, wet earth and hints of dried flowers and tobacco leaf. Rich, round and lush, a splash decanting was all that the wine required before it was ready.

3,651 Views   Tasted
This is drinking just great today. The supple, sexy, luscious textures knock you out. The nose, with its blend of licorice, smoke, black plums and cherries, truffle, dark chocolate and tobacco is a turn on. The finish provides freshness, fruit, complexity and length. I'm sure this has another 15-20 more years of engaging drinking ahead.

This is drinking just great today. The supple, sexy, luscious textures knock you out. The nose, with its blend of licorice, smoke, black plums and cherries, truffle, dark chocolate and tobacco is a turn on. The finish provides freshness, fruit, complexity and length. I'm sure this has another 15-20 more years of engaging drinking ahead.

4,965 Views   Tasted
1999
92
Fully mature, there is still ample, round textured, sweet, cherry, red and dark plum, paired with truffle and cocoa in this medium bodied wine to please the palate. But it's not a wine to keep for further development.

Fully mature, there is still ample, round textured, sweet, cherry, red and dark plum, paired with truffle and cocoa in this medium bodied wine to please the palate. But it's not a wine to keep for further development.

3,517 Views   Tasted
Smoke, truffle, licorice and black cherry jam scents are coupled with a medium/full bodied, soft textured St. Emilion wine. The round finish is filled with cassis and spicy black cherry with a hint of tartness. This is fully mature and will probably not improve. I’d drink this before over the next 5-8 years.

Smoke, truffle, licorice and black cherry jam scents are coupled with a medium/full bodied, soft textured St. Emilion wine. The round finish is filled with cassis and spicy black cherry with a hint of tartness. This is fully mature and will probably not improve. I’d drink this before over the next 5-8 years.

3,374 Views   Tasted
Big, bold, rich and opulent. Good aromatics. Ripe black fruits and licorice. The elegant textured finish was marred by a green note. (from under ripeness) in the end.

Big, bold, rich and opulent. Good aromatics. Ripe black fruits and licorice. The elegant textured finish was marred by a green note. (from under ripeness) in the end.

3,482 Views   Tasted
1998
93
Coffee bean, black cherry, plum, chocolate and fennel flavors lead to a sensually textured, St. Emilion that is already close to maturity.

Coffee bean, black cherry, plum, chocolate and fennel flavors lead to a sensually textured, St. Emilion that is already close to maturity.

4,189 Views   Tasted
The wine opens with truffle, earth, dark plums, coffee, anise and smoke filled aromatics. This elegant, rich stylish wine fills your mouth with ripe dark berries, licorice and sweet black cherry. Fully mature, this should drink well for at least another decade.

The wine opens with truffle, earth, dark plums, coffee, anise and smoke filled aromatics. This elegant, rich stylish wine fills your mouth with ripe dark berries, licorice and sweet black cherry. Fully mature, this should drink well for at least another decade.

4,309 Views   Tasted
The aromatics displayed chocolate covered back and red fruits with an intriguing, light citrus accent. Big, rich, fat, and thick, with a very, sexy palate presence, this wine should add complexity with more time.

The aromatics displayed chocolate covered back and red fruits with an intriguing, light citrus accent. Big, rich, fat, and thick, with a very, sexy palate presence, this wine should add complexity with more time.

4,317 Views   Tasted
Big, rich, fat, thick and with a sexy palate presence. This is filled with silky ripe black fruit, licorice, floral and crushed stone elements. Full bodied, balanced and very stylish.

Big, rich, fat, thick and with a sexy palate presence. This is filled with silky ripe black fruit, licorice, floral and crushed stone elements. Full bodied, balanced and very stylish.

4,243 Views   Tasted
1995
96
Filled with smoke, spice, truffle, crushed rock, dark plum and licorice coated blackberries with Cuban cigar tobacco, this opulent, energetic, sensuous wine coats your palate with an abundance of sweet black cherry and bitter chocolate. The wine kept improving in the glass for close to 2 hours. It might have kept improving, but I could not resist and finished it all. This is one of the top wines from 1995 from either bank.

Filled with smoke, spice, truffle, crushed rock, dark plum and licorice coated blackberries with Cuban cigar tobacco, this opulent, energetic, sensuous wine coats your palate with an abundance of sweet black cherry and bitter chocolate. The wine kept improving in the glass for close to 2 hours. It might have kept improving, but I could not resist and finished it all. This is one of the top wines from 1995 from either bank.

4,252 Views   Tasted