2006 Château Valandraud
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Tasting notes
I was shocked how good the 2006 Château Valandraud was, and it's just drinking spectacularly well today. Chocolaty dark fruits, graphite, hints of truffle, and Asian spices all emerge from this full-bodied, deep, concentrated, yet incredibly elegant Saint-Emilion. I love its balance, it has polished tannins, and one great finish. I don't see it getting any better, but it unquestionably has another 8-10 years of longevity, and probably a gradual decline after that.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2006 Valandraud was the first of two vintages that were 100% Merlot (the other being 2007). It was matured in 100% new oak for 21 months. It has a deep garnet core with just a little turbidity. The bouquet is very refined, quite forward for a 2006 with raspberry coulis, crushed strawberry, dried honey and violet scents that unfurl in the glass. That cough candy signature appears only after a few minutes aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe red berry fruit. It is not as concentrated as the 2006 Troplong Mondot poured alongside, but there are plenty of attractive, saline black fruit infused with tobacco and spice box, with just a mellow and harmonious finish. Tasted December 2016.
Tasted blind. Still very dark crimson. Some decay on the nose? Then very rich and ripe and slightly tarry on the palate with some liquorice notes. Very dry end. Very demanding of the drinker. Over-extracted. (JR)
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.