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  • Chateau Valandraud 750 ml

Chateau Valandraud 750 ml

Country: France /

Style: Wine /

Size: 750 ml /

Vintage: 1996 /

Sku: 14690

The Wine Advocate91 Points
Vinous91-92 Points
$410.99 Reg. $549.99

Details

Details

Château de Valandraud was one of the first Garagiste wines with its inaugural vintage being the difficult 1991. Jean-Luc and Murielle Thunevin own a mere 2.7 hectares of vineyards which consist of 4 separate parcels and are planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec.

De Valandraud's yields are pitifully low and the grapes are de-stemmed by hand before being fermented in 2 open-top fermenting vessels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels and the wine is matured in "200%" new oak barriques for 18 months (two sets of new barrels for 9 months each).

De Valandraud produces only about 400 cases a year and, not surprisingly, this very rich and concentrated St-Emilion is now one of the most sought-after wines in Bordeaux.

Suggested Food Pairing:

Beef
Duck
Game

Reviews

The Wine Advocate91 Points
Vinous91-92 Points
WA The Wine Advocate: 91 Points
This 1996 Valandraud has firmed up significantly since bottling. Unfined and unfiltered, this viscous wine displays the tell-tale thickness of color (saturated dark ruby/plum/purple). The wine's exotic bouquet is just beginning to form, offering up notes of iodine, roasted coffee, jammy black fruits, and pain grille. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin, terrific texture, and outstanding purity and length. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.
VN Vinous: 91-92 Points
Saturated ruby-red color. Lively aromas of black raspberry, black plum and smoky, spicy oak. Supple and very intensely flavored; not as fleshy or fat as the '95 but seamless. Again, has plenty of firming acidity. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and persistent spicy flavor. From a just-racked barrel: More precise nose hints at violet. Lush and suave in the mouth; seems fatter but every bit as fresh.