The Château Valandraud Red AOC Saint Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé 2018 is an exquisite Bordeaux blend that showcases the finest of the region's terroir. With a deep ruby color and a luscious nose filled with aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and hints of vanilla, this wine immediately captivates the senses. On the palate, it is well-structured with silky tannins and a perfect balance of fruit and oak. As the wine opens up, it reveals layers of complexity, with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant, velvety sensation on the tongue. This vintage is a true representation of the Château Valandraud's commitment to producing exceptional wines with a distinct character. Enjoy it now, or cellar it for further aging. Either way, it is a true testament to the quality of Bordeaux wines.
Critic Reviews
98 POINTS
Wine Spectator
This is richly fruited, with waves of fleshy raspberry, boysenberry and red currant cruising through, inlaid with singed vanilla and apple wood notes along the way. Shows density and cut through the finish, with a tug of tobacco at the end. This is dialed up to 11. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now. Score range: 96-99
98 POINTS
James Suckling
This is really rich and intense with beautiful blackberry, violet and blueberry aromas that follow through to a full-bodied palate with extremely polished tannins that caress your palate. Love the texture and purity to the wine. Fantastic. Try after 2025.
97 POINTS
Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast
This release continues the great run of vintages from this estate, based in the eastern part of Saint-Emilion. Powerful tannins are echoed by sumptuous black-plum and berry flavors. The high alcohol shows in the density although this concentrated wine does stay comfortably in balance. It needs plenty of aging. Don't drink before 2027.
96 POINTS
Peter Moser - Falstaff Magazine
96 POINTS
Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine
Rich, deep, powerful and hugely persistent, this has tons of juicy black fruits but clearly in the more restrained frame that owner Jean Luc Thunevin has introduced over the past few vintages. It's a brilliant wine, full of personality, keeping its concentration and glamour and just easing towards balance, but still with its signature insouciance. Tasted several times and always delicious, this just pips the excellent 2016 for me. 3% Malbec completes the blend, the first time it's been included in the wine. 40hl/ha yield. 3.6pH. 100% new oak for extended ageing.
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Tasting Notes
The Château Valandraud Red AOC Saint Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé 2018 is an exquisite Bordeaux blend that showcases the finest of the region's terroir. With a deep ruby color and a luscious nose filled with aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and hints of vanilla, this wine immediately captivates the senses. On the palate, it is well-structured with silky tannins and a perfect balance of fruit and oak. As the wine opens up, it reveals layers of complexity, with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant, velvety sensation on the tongue. This vintage is a true representation of the Château Valandraud's commitment to producing exceptional wines with a distinct character. Enjoy it now, or cellar it for further aging. Either way, it is a true testament to the quality of Bordeaux wines.