2013 Chateau Valandraud
By Chateau Valandraud
2013 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-emilion, Bordeaux
A vintage that has repeatedly caught my eye for its singular distinction is the 2013 offering from Chateau Valandraud. Tucked away in the lush undulations of Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, this château has promulgated wines that manage to shine, even in years when Mother Nature proves testy. The 2013 Chateau Valandraud showcases a resolute defiance against the vicissitudes of a particularly challenging season in Bordeaux, rising with a profile that charms the discerning connoisseur.
Rarity and Resolve: The Nature of the Vintage
The 2013 Bordeaux harvest was a maestro's challenge; mercurial conditions demanded vigilance and dexterous skill in the vineyard and winery alike. It was a litmus test for vintners, segregating the extraordinary from the merely good. The handiwork at Chateau Valandraud shines through in their namesake creation — a balancing act of precise fruit selection and masterful vinification.
Complexity in the Glass: A Testament to Terroir
In sipping the 2013 Chateau Valandraud, patience rewards the investor both on palate and in potential returns. It represents a wine of grace under pressure — rich, yet never overbearing, with an interlace of ripe blackberry and subtle plums harmonised by a tapestry of fine-grained tannins. Notably, its time in oak has endowed it with whispers of vanilla and an undertone of earth, grounding it firmly within the storied terroir of Saint-Emilion.
With investment savvy ever at the forefront of decision-making for fine wine enthusiasts, it is worthy to note that 2013 Chateau Valandraud navigates an impressive path between immediate approachability and cellar-worthy potential. Moody but structured — displaying a depth that belies the year's broader narrative.
Conclusion: A Vintage Worthy of Connoisseurship and Investment
To comprehend fully the intricate ballet that is 2013 Chateau Valandraud is to understand the prowess within restraint; how mightily it performs amidst Bordeaux's most challenging acts. For those seeking to enrich their cellars with bottles notable not solely for their label but for their survival and flourish despite adversity, casting an eye towards this assertive vintage would be time well invested indeed.
Current market price
£990.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
99
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2013 Valandraud did not quite match up to its barrel showing, although frankly it is not far off. The final blend is 92% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the smallest production in recent years at 10,000 bottles. It has a light and rather insubstantial bouquet with airy black fruit and undergrowth aromas, although little in the sense of terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, supple dark cherry and blackberry fruit, well-judged acidity and a nicely poised, easy-drinking finish that serves its purpose: to give pleasure. No, not the best Claret ever made, but for a 2013 it is absolutely fine. Tasted December 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017