2011 Valandraud

The 2011 Valandraud has never been one of my favourite vintages from Jean-Luc Thunevin, and I've always had some reservations. This example has quite a volatile nose, a little acetic though it does appear to improve in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, good grip with brambly red fruit, white pepper and whilst there is good substance on the finish, it just lacks some amplitude. I have had much better bottles in the past. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.

Tasted blind. Glowing dense crimson. Just a hint of oxidation on the nose. Opulent and sweet, but low in tannin. Certainly very dramatic and more confidently blowsy than most. Some punchiness to it. (JR)

The 2011 Valandraud is a vintage that was rather vexing in the vertical in December 2016. This bottle is better: the nose very seductive and carried by the 30% Cabernet Franc, hints of bell pepper and sage developing. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannin, less “angular” than I have discerned previous bottles although, there is a sense of sharpness here and it does not possess the length of vintages such as 2012 or 2014. Still, it is a commendable wine for the vintage. Served by Jean-Luc Thunévin in Saint-Émilion.