Chateau Valandraud 2016

Classification	Cru Classe
Type	Red
Brand	Chateau Valandraud
Vintage	2016
Country	France
Region	Bordeaux, St. Emilion
Grape	Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend
Volume	0,75
Condition	Perfect
Label	Perfect
Stock	4

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (96)

The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Valandraud packs a wallop on the nose with bombastic scents of baked black plums, cherry compote, coffee beans and licorice plus hints of hoisin, cedar chest and sautéed herbs. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and a fantastically long finish.

James Suckling (98)

Incredible perfumes and beauty with ripe plum and berry character, as well as an array of spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Full-bodied, firm and silky with beautifully polished tannins. Rendered and defined. A wine with lovely, classy nature and personality. One of the best Valandrauds I have tasted at this stage.

BOW (8.75)

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Including 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Merlot-dominated 2016 Château Valandraud is a brilliant example of this cuvée that should match or exceed the incredible 2015 at maturity. Brought up all in new oak, its deep purple color is followed by a powerful bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, smoked earth, and hints of earth. Possessing full-bodied richness, thrilling purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and just about perfect balance, it's another tour de force from the incredibly talented Jean-Luc Thunevin. It's slightly more elegant than the L'Interdit de Valandraud cuvée and will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for two decades or more.

Jancis Robinson (17.50)

Tasted blind. Rich and round virtually without tannins! Spice and appeal and something so French! Bleu marine and long. Unctuous with a saline note on the end.

Decanter (96)

One of the early micro-wineries, named after the surname of Murielle Andraud, co-founder with her husband Jean-Luc Thunevin. From their purchase in 1991 of a 0.6ha vineyard in the Fongaban valley (the ‘Val’ in the name) and a garage where they made wine, they now have 9ha on the clay limestone terroir of St-Etienne de Lisse. In 2016 the blend was 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and was aged in 100% new oak. Georgie Hindle: Expressive full, rich nose. Granular texture, grippy but with soft edges so you get a plump, almost plush feeling. Sophisticated and refined with dark, sultry black fruits. Vincenzo Arnese: Nose is ripe and intense with good aromas of plum followed by coffee and tobacco leaves. Clean and fresh with smooth tannins, a very elegant finish. Arthur Coggill: A glossy, staining black compote appeal. Inviting nose of gently sweet blackcurrant and damson. Dense mouthfeel with crunchy acidity. Banging.

Vinous (97)

The 2016 Valandraud is exceptionally beautiful. Powerful and explosive in the glass, the 2016 is superb today. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, espresso, leather and smoke add layers of nuance. One of the things I like most about Valandraud in 2016 is the combination of fruit richness and vibrancy. Those elements make for a stunning, punchy Saint-Émilion that hits all the right notes. This is a fabulous showing from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud.