Valandraud 2017

St Emilion, Grand Cru

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Tasting Notes

A majestic, sumptuous wine, the 2017 Valandraud has so much to offer. The interplay of the rich red and raspberry fruit along with elements of underlying tension give the 2017 explosive energy to balance its natural sumptuousness. Hints of rose petal, mint and licorice develop in the glass, but it is the wine' vibrancy that is most compelling today. The 2017 Valandraud is exceptionally beautiful. I won't be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. Sadly, production is down to around 25,000 bottles from the more typical 40,000 or so.

Score: 93 - 96

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 May 2018

The 2017 Valandraud was 30% impacted by the frost on the lower reaches of vines, which were either deselected into the troisième vin or sold off. The wine was picked from 10 October and then sporadically over the next week, relatively late. It is matured in 100% new oak as usual. It has a very intense, voluptuous bouquet with layers of crème de cassis, boysenberry and blueberry fruit, a little glossier than I was anticipating, what you might call a “ravishing” nose. The palate is full-bodied with saturated tannin, rounded in texture with layers of black cherry, blueberry and cassis fruit. This is a bold Valandraud that shrugs off the effects of the frost and goes full-throttle towards the finish whilst maintaining sufficient freshness and tension that it never palls in the mouth.

Score: 92 - 94

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2040 01 May 2018

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Valandraud gives up crushed blackcurrants, chocolate-covered cherries and espresso on the nose with hints of licorice, tar and smoked meats. The palate is medium-bodied with a solid frame of ripe, sweet tannins and just enough freshness to contain the bombastic fruit, finishing long and berry-laced.

Score: 93 - 95

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 27 April 2018

Very dark, black core. Sweet and perfumed, rich in black fruit and a hint of violets supported by oak's sweet spice. Full in the mouth, compact tannins but lots of fruit at the core. Dense and generous at the same time. Needs plenty of time. (17+ Points)

Score: 17

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2035 25 April 2018

Unquestionably up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, the 2017 Valandraud boasts a ripe, fabulously sexy bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, violets, and loamy earth. About as pleasurable, rounded, and expansive as it gets in the vintage, this full-bodied Saint-Emilion has a stacked mid-palate, sweet tannin, and a great finish. I was able to taste this cuvée on two separate occasions and absolutely loved it both times.

Score: 94 - 97

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 23 April 2018

Gorgeous blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry compote flavors flow out from the core, enveloping the apple wood, anise and black tea frame as they move. Offers a gorgeous feel, ample depth, lovely polish and fine underlying acidity throughout. A terrific effort.

Score: 93 - 96

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 04 April 2018

A solid and structured young red with plenty of polished tannins and a juicy finish. Flavorful and focused.

Score: 93 - 94

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 03 April 2018

They have done a very good job of finessing this wine while still remaining true to their new philosophy of turning the volume down from 11. A highly enjoyable wine with genuine juiciness through the mid-palate, with the most beautifully fleshy texture of raspberry and blackberry. A touch of sweetness at the close of play makes this extremely appetising, and this is without doubt an excellent Valandraud.

Score: 93

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025-2038 01 April 2018