It has a rounded and opulent bouquet, especially considering the growing season, with quite precocious kirsch, mulberry and cassis scents interlaced with cigar box and smoke aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, precise and elegant with wild strawberry and raspberry fruit that is seamlessly integrated with the oak. Considering this is a 2007, this is just a beautifully crafted wine that is probably a point, though shows absolutely no sign of any decline. RP
This 1996 Valandraud has firmed up significantly since bottling. Unfined and unfiltered, this viscous wine displays the tell-tale thickness of color (saturated dark ruby/plum/purple). The wine's exotic bouquet is just beginning to form, offering up notes of iodine, roasted coffee, jammy black fruits, and pain grille. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin, terrific texture, and outstanding purity and length. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018. RP
$ 4,220
Valandraud St Emilion GCC 2000
RP
94
WS
93
The fully mature, flamboyant, exuberant 2000 Valandraud offers beautiful notes of coffee, blackberries, sweet cherries, licorice, and smoke. Medium to full-bodied with a buffet of aromas and flavors as well as sweet tannin and a plush, succulent mouthfeel, this is a terrific effort from proprietor Thunevin. It should drink well for another 8-10 years. RP
$ 3,800
Valandraud St Emilion GCC 2003
RP
93
WS
93
The home property of Jean-Luc Thunevin, the inspirational spirit for Bordeaux’s garagiste movement, is Valandraud. The 2003 is a full-bodied, powerful St.-Emilion offering up notes of espresso roast, chocolate, sweet currants and cherries, and hints of minerals as well as cedar. Expressive and pure, with copious tannins lurking behind the cascade of fruit and glycerin, this wine requires 2-4 years of bottle age, and should drink well for two decades or more. RP