2012 Chateau Valandraud
By Chateau Valandraud
2012 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
The 2012 Chateau Valandraud emerges as a true marvel from an unpredictable Bordeaux vintage. Chateau Valandraud, renowned for its pioneering role as one of the original 'garagistes', crafted a wine that encapsulates the very soul of Saint-Emilion's exceptional terroir in a year that asked much of its vine tends and winemakers.
The Virtue of Patience and Precision
The year 2012 commenced with trepidation in Bordeaux, given its capricious climate. Yet Chateau Valandraud's meticulousness in both vineyard and cellar ensured a wine of astonishing depth and vigour. The season's late blossoming allowed the fruit to mature into October - a gamble that paid rich dividends in complexity and character.
A Vintage That Defies Expectation
This particular vintage embodies finesse. Merlot's dominance is pronounced with its plush plum and rich blackcurrant notes, while Cabernet Franc lends an aromatic complexity rare in such youth. The stroke of Cabernet Sauvignon brings forth a backbone of structure making the 2012 Chateau Valandraud a testament to the enduring mastery achievable by the right hands under disparate skies.
The bouquet is laden with dark cherries and hints of tobacco, paving the way to a palate graced by velvety tannins. A harmonious encounter on every sip where ripe fruit nuances are deftly aligned with toasted oak spice from discerning barrel ageing.
A Cornerstone for Collectors
For enthusiasts with a penchant for investment-grade clarets, the 2012 Chateau Valandraud proves an astute addition to any portfolio. It stands as one of the standout performances in an untamed season, showcasing how brilliance can be coaxed from challenge. This wine from Chateau Valandraud reaffirms Saint-Emilion's esteemed pedigree - an emblematic beacon of fine wine investment potential for both connoisseurs and investors alike.
Market price (CAD)
$1,913.95
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
76.67
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2012 Valandraud instantly demonstrated the wide gap in quality between itself and the previous vintage. It is a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc matured for 28 months in 100% new oak. It has a primal and concentrated bouquet with intense blackberry, bilberry and graphite aromas that gain intensity in the glass, and yet remain "strict" and linear. The palate is medium-bodied with brittle tannin that impart a chalky texture. There is plenty of clean and crisp blackberry and raspberry fruit here, pencil lead and a touch of chalk towards the precise and vivid finish. The energy is palpable in this Saint Emilion, a quite stupendous wine from Jean-Luc and Murielle that must stand as one of the best on the Right Bank. This comes strongly recommended, although it still needs plenty of time. Tasted December 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017