Chateau Valandraud   Chateau Valandraud

2015 Chateau Valandraud

By Chateau Valandraud

2015 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The 2015 vintage in Bordeaux has been marked by enthusiasts and collectors alike as one with significant promise and expectation. It is within this climactic context that the 2015 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud articulates its narrative—a tale that speaks eloquently of its Saint-Emilion provenance.

 

An Opulent Expression of Saint-Emilion Terroir

Discovering such a bejeweled expression of terroir and technique in a bottle of wine offers a glimpse into the meticulous crafting at Chateau Valandraud. A sojourn through the aromatic tapestry of this particular vintage reveals lush berry nuances harmoniously woven with threads of subtle spice and an impeccably judged oak influence.

 

Pedigree and Precision: An Astute Asset

Investors in viticultural treasures will discern in 2015 Chateau Valandraud an asset replete with pedigree and precision. Standing out amongst its peers, this exemplary Saint-Emilion vintage proffers not just immediate pleasure but also promises potential longevity poised for a graceful evolution. With an adept understanding of the season's offerings, the vintners have sculpted a wine that caresses the palate with balanced tannins and a finish as enduring as it is sumptuous.

In 2015, Bordeaux was graced with climatic generosity—conditions that led to optimal ripeness and concentration of flavours. This prodigality is echoed in each glass of Chateau Valandraud, where structured fullness meets elegance with seamless grace.

To sip on the 2015 Chateau Valandraud is to partake in an experience benchmarked against some of the most celebrated creations this region has observed. Although youthful, there is already a whisper of complexity emerging—one that will undoubtedly crescendo into a symphony for the senses with proper cellaring.

For connoisseurs seeking to diversify their portfolio with remarkable vintages, the 2015 offering from Chateau Valandraud epitomises such an investment. It remains resolutely one of the true heralds of an illustrious vintage year in Bordeaux, promising to reward those who appreciate the craft of fine winemaking.

Market price (GBP)

£1,170.00

12x75cl

Highest score

99

POP score

61.58

Scores and tasting notes

98-99

A fabulous Valandraud with verve and distinction. So much bright blackberry, mineral and dark chocolate character. Full and ultra-silky textured. Powerful and balanced finish. A joy to taste. Purity. Greatest Valandraud ever. 85% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com

94-97

Displays beautiful fruit from the start, with cassis, raspberry and boysenberry notes moving together seamlessly, carried by a polished structure through the caressing finish. Seriously pure.—J.M.

Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com

96

The 2015 Valandraud is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with a profound nose of baked cherries, warm black plums, blueberry preserves and smoked meats with tilled earth, mocha, Indian spices and dried herbs nuances plus a touch of licorice. The mouth is big, full-bodied and powerful with notable, velvety tannins and it is packed with savory and spice flavor layers, finishing with epic length. This big-boned, voluptuous, Rubenesque beauty will blow hedonists' minds!

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018

95-97

The 2015 Chateau Valandraud is founded upon Jean-Luc Thunevin's ever-reliable Merlot parcels, and this year the blend is augmented with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a glorious and damn irresistible bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberry, crushed violets and a scintilla of citrus fruit, all beautifully defined and very precise. In 2015 it is determined to put a gap between itself and the Virginie de Valandraud. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, creamy in texture but not in the slightest cloying. The acidity is well judged with layers of caressing black fruit towards a finish for which I could only deploy the word - nubile. This will be a stunning Valandraud to savor over the next couple of decades, though it will be difficult to resist temptation in its youth.

Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016

91

Jean-Luc Thunevin has made an ambitiously structured Valandraud in 2015: rich, supple and super ripe with plenty of dark berry concentration, lashings of oak and sturdy tannins. Time will tell if there’s enough acidity to keep the wine fresh in bottle. Drink: 2022-30

Tim Atkin - timatkin.com

16.5

New label. Very dark crimson. Almost roasted nose seems rather vieux jeu. Salty and sweet. Pushed to the limit. Sweet and sour impression. Not one of my favourite styles but I'm sure it will find favour with some palates. Awfully demanding and dry on the end. Though it certainly is concentrated.

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance