Chateau Valandraud   Chateau Valandraud

2004 Chateau Valandraud

By Chateau Valandraud

2004 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

The 2004 vintage, a year that began with trepidation, eventually turned the tides to yield wines of considerable charm and elegance in Bordeaux. In the midst of this vintage, the 2004 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud emerged as a testament to the resilience and precision that Saint-Émilion's vignerons bring to their craft.

 

Defying Expectations: The Triumph of 2004

Bordeaux's 2004 season was characterised by climatic swings; an arduous summer poised the grapevines with challenges, ultimately leading to a late but favourable Indian summer which bestowed much-needed reprieve. The grace with which Chateau Valandraud navigated this year is present in each glass poured—a revelation for wine investors seeking a storied bottle.

 

A Vintage Precise and Poised

The 2004 Chateau Valandraud reveals an arboretum of aromas akin to Merlot at its most expressive. Blackcurrants and cherries pirouette amongst whispers of tobacco leaf and truffles, revealing a wine that has journeyed gracefully through nearly two decades, and yet retains vivacious fruit underlined by supple tannins. A sip unveils a palate impeccably balanced with rounded acidity that lends freshness, harmonising with layers upon layers of dark fruit couched in an elegant oak structure.

For the discerning collector, the narrative of the 2004 vintage is a tale worth savouring; it is an insightful chronicle about overcoming adversity. The 2004 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud offers more than just a mere investment; it serves as an illustration of the triumph that can arise from a challenging vigneron year in Bordeaux.

 

The Art of Wine Investment: Acquiring Historical Vintages

Understanding the nuances of each vintage is pivotal in fine wine investment. The 2004 Chateau Valandraud stands as an example of sublime potential realised—a beacon for those who value historical vintages which encapsulate both time and terroir. Integrate this polished jewel into your portfolio, and let its quiet sophistication and quiet tenacity represent an impeccable aspect of your discerning collection.

Market price (CAD)

$2,140.00

12x75cl

Highest score

91

POP score

116.36

Scores and tasting notes

91

Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2004 Valandraud was picked between 13 and 18 October, and consists of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It has a more rounded and fruit-driven bouquet than the 2004 Cheval Blanc, with red plum, Hoi Sin, marmalade and even dried honeyed aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, rounded and caressing tannin. There is impressive body and concentration for a 2004, quite grippy in the mouth and it fans out with conviction on the finish with raspberry coulis, wild strawberry, white pepper and cedar notes. This shows up its 2003 counterpart and it should drink well for another 8-10 years. Tasted December 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017

Vintage performance