Chateau Valandraud 2018

Type: Red Wine      Volume: 750ml

Winery: Chateau de Valandraud

Country: France     Region: Bordeaux

District: St Emilion

Grapes Varieties: 

Classification:      Production: 2915 cases

Alcohol: 15.5% abv     Packing: Original Wooden Case of 6 bottles

Ratings and Tasting Notes:

JS=98 This is really rich and intense with beautiful blackberry, violet, and blueberry aromas that follow through to a full-bodied palate with extremely polished tannins that caress your palate. Love the texture and purity of the wine. Fantastic. Try after 2025.

AG=97+ The 2018 Valandraud is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel, maybe more. Power and vertical, with tons of explosive energy, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, new leather, liquorice and chocolate all race across the palate. The 2018 is a wine of tremendous stature that distinguishes itself in a vintage peppered with stunning wines. I would allow for a few years in bottle to help the tannins soften. I loved it.

WA=96+ Deep purple-black in colour, the 2018 Valandraud is still sporting a fair bit of oak on the nose, with the cedary notions giving way to a profound core of Black Forest cake, stewed plums, and boysenberry preserves, plus suggestions of espresso, clove oil, unsmoked cigars and charcuterie with a waft of Chinese five-spice. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with rich black fruit preserves, framed by sturdy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and tinged with exotic spices. It will need a good 5-6 years for everything to marry and for the nuances to be fully expressed, then enjoy it over the next 25+ years.

WS=95 This shows off a range of loganberry, black currant, and fig notes that are enticing in feel thanks to racy acidity, while singed sandalwood, incense, and bay details line the finish. Sneaky length too. Lovely. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Best from 2023 through 2036. 2,915 cases were made.