Reviews
-James Suckling -
-Raffaele Vecchione, WinesCritic.com -
-Vinous -
-Jeb Dunnuck -
-Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider -
-The Wine Independent -
-Decanter -
-Falstaff -
-Wine Spectator -
-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
Technical Details
- 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Eric Talavet, with owner/winemakers Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud
- France
- Bordeaux
- Right Bank
- Saint-Émilion
- Estate vineyard of 8 hectares planted to 70 % Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and small portions of Malbec and Carmenère
- Sustainable practices and ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certifications
- 100% new French oak
- Fermented in thermo-regulated concrete, stainless steel, and wood vats with a maceration period of about three weeks.
- 24 to 36 months in 100% new French oak
- 14%
- 2,000 cases
Château Valandraud Premier Grand Cru Classé B Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2021
Sustainable practices and ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certifications
45% OFF RETAIL!
Château Valandraud was the original garage wine, launched by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud in 1991 from a rented garage and a tiny parcel of vines with a determination that redefined what Saint-Émilion could aspire to. Today the estate is classified Premier Grand Cru Classé B, and the ambition that drove its founding has never wavered. The 2021 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and while multiple critics noted that 2021 was not naturally aligned with Valandraud’s pursuit of concentration and richness, the estate’s response was to produce a wine that defied the vintage’s modest character. James Suckling awarded 96, describing rich, old-vine character with the essence of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Jane Anson awarded 96, noting extraordinary richness and concentration with oak smokiness that will clearly integrate, and slate and crushed rock texture that gives grip and length. Vinous awarded 95, with Antonio Galloni describing it as sumptuous, dark, and enveloping, noting black cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, and spice gaining intensity in the glass. Jeb Dunnuck 95 and James Lawther 94. The price here is exceptional for a wine with this critical response. Very limited.