critic reviews
As usual this young Valandraud absolutely bursts with highly toasted oaky aromas on the nose, all matchstick and cedar, combined with some dark yet overtly perfumed fruit. The palate follows up with a rich layer of concentrated black summer fruits, all black cherry with layers of tobacco, tar and liquorice, with a salty black bean intensity, set in a rich texture, with a supple weight, glossy and creamed, yet smoky and firm. It culminates in a big and bold style, where I find more than a streak of alcohol, it being particularly evident in the warm and peppery finish. This will no doubt find its fans;for my own pleasure I would prefer a little less alcohol, although the definition of the fruit has charm, and the heavy application of oak will fade with time too. Valandraud seems to age well despite its occasionally rather hedonistic showing in its youth, so perhaps this one deserves a chance.
Inky plum in colour, opens with an immediate caress of supple tannins with violet, rose and peony, liquorice root, textured, rich but reserved with a tug of graphite, slate and crayon. This is a really impressive Valandraud, excellent quality, clearly decades of ageing ahead of it. Jean-Luc Thunevin owner, harvest September 15 to October 5, 100% new oak.
The 2022 Valandraud was picked from 15 September to 5 October and matured in 100% new oak. It has a pure and very opulent bouquet with ravishing black cherries and crème de cassis scents, a touch of pressed violets and dates. The palate is medium-bodied and hides the 15.5% alcohol beneath its velvety texture. Plush red fruit, sweet and candied but with counterbalancing spiciness and structure on the finish. This is a Valandraud with a V12 engine. It will need several years in bottle. It manages to maintain balance and purity, thankfully not imposing or fatiguing unlike some others. Jean-Luc Thunevin has crafted an excellent Saint-Émilion here.