Tasting Notes
Vinous 96
The 2016 Valandraud offers an exquisite bouquet of pure dark cherry and crushed strawberry scents mixed with pressed flowers and hints of spice. The medium-bodied palate is harmonious and silky-smooth, with supple tannin and just a touch of black pepper and cedar toward the persistent finish. Jean-Luc Thunevin has crafted a supremely gifted Saint-Émilion.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045
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 sauteed herbs. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and a fantastically long finish.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2058
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
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.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2040