2023 Valandraud
Buying options
Tasting Notes
Typically lavish in style, the 2023 Valandraud is laden with sweet, plummy red fruit, lush blueberries and a smoky intensity. Despite its generosity, the palate is pure and well-weighted, with lovely depth to the core of dark fruit. The tannins are chewy, complemented by crystallised violet florals and crunchy black cherry. Long and lingering with surprising elegance, the 15% alcohol is well integrated and the 3.5pH speaks to the terroir of this Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate. Intense yet not overpowering with impressive precision. Aged in 100% new oak. Blend: 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
The Grand Vin 2023 Château Valandraud checks in as a blend of 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the most Cabernet Sauvignon ever in the blend. Raised in new barrels, pure cassis, mulberries, spicy oak, chocolate, and graphite are just some of the nuances here, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, yet elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's a big, rich, undeniably sexy wine in the vintage that will be drinkable with just short-term cellaring.
Flowers, black raspberries, licorice, smoke, espresso, black cherries, and chocolate aromas create the complex aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is supple, creamy, and more importantly, energetic, with freshness, and elegant, creamy tannins. Long, intense, and concentrated, yet, light on its feet, the lingering finish keeps on going with its layers of ripe, sweet, fruits, salty chocolate, and espresso notes. Blending 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% ABV, 3.5 pH. Harvesting took place September 21 - October 15.
Wow, this is really something. Very fruity, with dark blackberries and blueberries, as well as blood oranges. It’s full and layered with great depth of fruit and chewy, polished tannins. Turns lightly salty at the end. Power with precision. 84% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon.
About the producer
One of the first garage wines, Ch. Valandraud was created by Jean-Luc Thunevin – Saint-Emilion’s “bad boy”. Today the style of the wine is much more restrained, and officially classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate.