Chateau Valandraud   Chateau Valandraud

2016 Chateau Valandraud

By Chateau Valandraud

2016 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The 2016 vintage from the verdant right bank of Bordeaux emerges as an exceptional year for investors and connoisseurs alike. The 2016 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud encapsulates meticulous craftsmanship within its velvety depths.

 

Precision and Panache: Crafting an Iconic Vintage

In the glass, this illustrious Saint-Emilion vintage pronounces its pedigree with a colour palette reminiscent of a painter's most passionate work. Such hues signal the prowess and potential of this finely crafted wine.

The season's serendipitous alliance of balmy days and cool nights bestowed upon 2016 an unprecedented balance, offering a complexity that tantalises the experienced palate. The weather conditions allowed the grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity while retaining refreshing acidity – a harmonious contradiction contributing to the wine's investment allure.

 

A Symphony in Every Sip

Wafts of dark fruit layer over scents of licorice and violets, enchanting the nose with artisanal poise before divulging hidden whispers of earthy minerality and well-integrated oak. At first taste, the 2016 Chateau Valandraud reveals an opus of sumptuous black cherries and plums, laced with a thread of fresh tobacco that dazzles the senses.

The palate is embraced by tannins that are assertive yet refined; they speak of ageing potential that would satisfy even the most discerning investor's forecast for value appreciation. Alongside such structure lies grace – a medium to full-bodied profile with sufficient freshness to suggest that, while it radiates magnificence now, this labour of love will continue to unfold.

In summary, the 2016 Chateau Valandraud distinguishes itself as one to acquire for the cellar or portfolio. It stands out in both its sensory appeal and promising maturation trajectory. This particular vintage affirms Saint-Emilion’s influence on exceptional winemaking, and embodies investment potential that resonates with both temporal patience and an affinity for fineness.

Current market price

£1,230.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

68.33

Scores and tasting notes

97-98

Fantastic core of dark fruit with blackberries, blueberries, licorice and crushed stones. Full body, beautifully polished tannins and a long and energetic finish. Pinpoint. Superb.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017

96-99

This has a display of drop-dead gorgeous raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry confiture flavors unfurling from its core, backed by flamboyant anise and black tea notes. It’s rich, polished and seriously long. And then there’s a light twinge of chalky finesse at the very, very end to keep it grounded.—J.M.

Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator (James Molesworth)

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.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018

17

Exceptionally deep purple. Real life to this with graphite and richness. Very sweet and fully ripe but with much less acid than most other wines. Tough minerally dried grape finish on which the acid shows itself. Very dry end. Dramatic.

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance