2017 Chateau Valandraud
By Chateau Valandraud
2017 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
In the tapestry of Bordeaux vintages, the 2017 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud weaves a complex picture of a year fraught with climatic challenges yet ultimately exultant in the glass. The frost that swept through Bordeaux in late April of that year spared this valiant estate, allowing its vines to unfold their full potential.
A Portrait of Resilience and Mastery
The 2017 vintage is a testament to the mettle of Saint-Émilion's vineyards and their custodians. Chateau Valandraud, under the deft hands of Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud, has once again shown it can not only withstand the vicissitudes of nature but thrives amidst them. This vintage encapsulates an intimate understanding of the terroir with precision viticulture, leading to a wine that is both an ode to its lineage and a distinct expression of the year's unique character.
A Vintage Distinct in Character and Investment Potential
The 2017 Chateau Valandraud emerges with poise, displaying a rich garnet hue. Swirls in the decanter awake a medley of blackberry compote and subtle smoke, indicative of a judicious match between fruit and oak. On the palate, this wine delivers an ensemble of ripe tannins married harmoniously with dark cherries and a hint of chocolate mint, conveying the grace of its Merlot-centric blend imbued with statuesque Cabernet Franc.
Perhaps one element setting this vintage apart is its refined structure, balanced with an energetic acidity rare for such a warm year—hinting at a respectable ageing potential. Discerning investors will doubtless note that while it may be enjoyed presently, its apex lies on the horizon—a promising addition to any portfolio.
As we consider the prospects for the 2017 Chateau Valandraud as both an exceptional experience on the palate and as a prudent investment, it becomes clear that it stands as one of Saint-Émilion's most compelling offerings from an unpredictable year.
Current market price
£1,020.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
68
Scores and tasting notes
Lots of beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruits here. Medium to full body, round and very polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Wet-earth undertones. Velvety mouthfeel at the end.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Gorgeous blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry compote flavors flow out from the core, enveloping the apple wood, anise and black tea frame as they move. Offers a gorgeous feel, ample depth, lovely polish and fine underlying acidity throughout. A terrific effort.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
A majestic, sumptuous wine, the 2017 Valandraud has so much to offer. The interplay of the rich red and raspberry fruit along with elements of underlying tension give the 2017 explosive energy to balance its natural sumptuousness. Hints of rose petal, mint and licorice develop in the glass, but it is the wine' vibrancy that is most compelling today. The 2017 Valandraud is exceptionally beautiful. I won't be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. Sadly, production is down to around 25,000 bottles from the more typical 40,000 or so.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Valandraud gives up crushed blackcurrants, chocolate-covered cherries and espresso on the nose with hints of licorice, tar and smoked meats. The palate is medium-bodied with a solid frame of ripe, sweet tannins and just enough freshness to contain the bombastic fruit, finishing long and berry-laced.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 27 April 2018
The 2017 Valandraud was 30% impacted by the frost on the lower reaches of vines, which were either deselected into the troisième vin or sold off. The wine was picked from 10 October and then sporadically over the next week, relatively late. It is matured in 100% new oak as usual. It has a very intense, voluptuous bouquet with layers of crème de cassis, boysenberry and blueberry fruit, a little glossier than I was anticipating, what you might call a “ravishing” nose. The palate is full-bodied with saturated tannin, rounded in texture with layers of black cherry, blueberry and cassis fruit. This is a bold Valandraud that shrugs off the effects of the frost and goes full-throttle towards the finish whilst maintaining sufficient freshness and tension that it never palls in the mouth.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18