Top Vintages
Read More
Top Vintages
Photo
AI Chat
-
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2014 Trottevieille does not show as well as previous bottles although I did taste another during a trip to Bordeaux. I feel that this is more representative with blackberry and cedar on the nose, almost Left Bank in style thanks to the expressive Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied and very refined, demonstrating impressive precision if not the intensity on the finish. Very fine. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. VAT£422.20 -
(6x150cl) 2015James Suckling (98-99)
This is phenomenal. Greatest wine from here. Such class and power. It starts off slowly and then goes on for minutes. Full body. Yet racy. The new 1961Trotte.Inc. VAT£822.07 -
James Suckling (98)
Complex aromas of blackberries, dried flowers and other dark fruit. Shows hints of cedar and blackberries. Full-bodied, dense and wonderfully integrated with rich tannins that just melt into the wine. Extremely fine and focused finish. Shows harmony and balance. Better after 2024.Inc. VAT£997.90 -
(1x75cl) 2016James Suckling (98)
Complex aromas of blackberries, dried flowers and other dark fruit. Shows hints of cedar and blackberries. Full-bodied, dense and wonderfully integrated with rich tannins that just melt into the wine. Extremely fine and focused finish. Shows harmony and balance. Better after 2024.Inc. VAT£121.46 -
(12x37.5cl) 2018James Suckling (98-99)
Wow. This really sends a tingle down my spine. Love the energy and length to this. Very distinguished. Full-bodied yet tight, polished and compressed. It has a great finish. Exciting. Really.Inc. VAT£503.98 -
Decanter (97)
Intense and concentrated on the nose, so full of aromas, rich and complex. Succulent and sophisticated, this is just so delicious. Crunchy strawberry and red cherry fruit with bright and round edges change into deep and heady blackcurrant and plum with a cool and liquorice spiced aspect as the wine makes an impact and travels from start to finish. The texture is smooth and fine, with a sense of life and joy, while the flavours are layered and complex. This has a really captivating spice to it, not at all harsh but present and indicative of the alcohol, that gives the wine frame and body. Serious with a very long life ahead but I love the way it changes in the glass giving you small hints of glamour, power and personality.Inc. VAT£265.09 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Fantastic texture and structure to this wine with firm, silky tannins that go on and on. Love the crushed blackberries, blueberries and salt. Floral and mineral character, too. Full and tight with great length. Chewy at the very end, indicating real structure. All about structure and length. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 49% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.Inc. VAT£677.21 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Fantastic texture and structure to this wine with firm, silky tannins that go on and on. Love the crushed blackberries, blueberries and salt. Floral and mineral character, too. Full and tight with great length. Chewy at the very end, indicating real structure. All about structure and length. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 49% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.Inc. VAT£356.00 -
(3x150cl) 2021James Suckling (94-95)
This is very tangy and bright with real cabernet franc character, showing currant, orange and fresh-herb notes. Medium body with wonderful energy and acidity. Fine tannins. Racy and juicy. 54% cabernet franc, 45% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.Inc. VAT£442.40 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is very tangy and bright with real cabernet franc character, showing currant, orange and fresh-herb notes. Medium body with wonderful energy and acidity. Fine tannins. Racy and juicy. 54% cabernet franc, 45% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.Inc. VAT£370.40 -
(12x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (98-99)
Wow, this is really something. It is full and powerful with truly impressive depth of fruit. Yet, it remains agile and structural, with flexed muscles, balanced by a sense of floating. Well defined and poised. 53% cabernet franc, 44% merlot, and 3% cabernet. Will it be better than 2022?Inc. VAT£930.41 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Wow, this is really something. It is full and powerful with truly impressive depth of fruit. Yet, it remains agile and structural, with flexed muscles, balanced by a sense of floating. Well defined and poised. 53% cabernet franc, 44% merlot, and 3% cabernet. Will it be better than 2022?Inc. VAT£420.20 -
Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of French wine with the Chateau Turon La Croix Bordeaux Superieur 2015. Produced in the revered right bank of Bordeaux, this elegant red wine is a compelling embodiment of the Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blends that the region is famed for. Chateau Turon La Croix meticulously cultivates these grapes on their 30 hectares vineyard, employing a viticultural practice that nurtures both the fruit and the land. Ensuring optimal maturity, the grapes are hand-harvested on the vineyard's clay and limestone soils, pressed gently, and vinified separately. The final blend of the Chateau Turon La Croix Bordeaux Superieur 2015 demonstrates a perfect balance - a testament to their perennial quest for perfection. The wine sleeps for 12 months in French oak barrels, adding a subtle complexity to its structured tannins and vibrant fruit expression. The Chateau Turon La Croix Bordeaux Superieur 2015 is an experience for any oenophile; sensual, refined, and deeply satisfying.
Inc. VAT£126.24 -
(12x75cl) 2010Embarking on a sensory journey with Ulysse Cazabonne 2010, one’s palate is enamoured by its urbane sophistication. This exquisite Bordeaux wine's divine origin is the famed vineyards of Pauillac, France, demonstrating the exemplary winemaking craftsmanship carried in the Cazabonne lineage. The enticing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in hand-selected oak barrels, results in a redolent bouquet of black fruit, toasted oak and spice. Ulysse Cazabonne’s exceptional team, under the careful guidance of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s former cellarmaster, Patrick Léon, meticulously brings forth the delicate balance and intensity of flavours. With its rich, velvety textures and impressively sustained finish, the Ulysse Cazabonne 2010 leaves an indelible impression on the discerning oenophile. A testament to its grandeur, this vintage serves as a wonderful exemplification of the winery's dedication to meticulous viticulture and innovative vinification techniques.
Inc. VAT£474.70 -
Valade 2010 epitomises the artistry of meticulous winemaking, hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Bordeaux's Médoc region. Crafted by the venerable Maison Valade, renowned for their commitment to excellence, this vintage showcases a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes hand-selected from prime terroirs. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, the wine undergoes a delicate aging process in French oak barrels for eighteen months, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes. The 2010 harvest benefited from a perfect growing season, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness and balance. On the palate, Valade 2010 delivers a rich tapestry of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and cedar, supported by refined tannins and a lingering finish. This exceptional wine not only reflects the pinnacle of Valade’s craftsmanship but also offers a remarkable expression of its distinguished origin. Valade 2010 is a quintessential choice for connoisseurs seeking depth, complexity, and timeless elegance.
Inc. VAT£343.61 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
Superb, saturated dark ruby color. Knockout aromas of black raspberry, smoked duck and suave, smoky oak. Thick, sweet and velvety in the mouth; the fruit explodes with aeration, saturating those hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Really fabulous sweetness. A slightly roasted note suggests great ripeness (though I recall Thunevin telling me two years ago that this wine could have been even greater had he waited another few days to harvest!). Ultrasuave tannins are buried in a wave of fruit. One of the longest finishes of the vintage. Purists may argue that a wine like this cannot possible match such '95s as Latour or Margaux or Petrus for terroir character or class, but few wines can match the '95 Valandraud for sheer hedonistic pleasure.Inc. VAT£6,323.47 -
(12x75cl) 1996Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-92)
Saturated ruby-red color. Lively aromas of black raspberry, black plum and smoky, spicy oak. Supple and very intensely flavored; not as fleshy or fat as the '95 but seamless. Again, has plenty of firming acidity. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and persistent spicy flavor. From a just-racked barrel: More precise nose hints at violet. Lush and suave in the mouth; seems fatter but every bit as fresh.Inc. VAT£2,113.06 -
Wine Spectator (91-94)
A very, very pretty wine, with lovely fruit and berry character and hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Solid core of fruit. Score range: 91-94Inc. VAT£705.34 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Tasted at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2000 Valandraud has a very dark color with just a thin crimson rim. The bouquet is exquisite: intense black cherry and blackcurrant scents, sandalwood, cedar and spices, complex and involving, the aromatics appear to just grow and grow. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red and black fruit, fine tannins and perfect acidity. It feels backward but very tensile with a flow of energy towards the precise and deeply impressive finish. This is an outstanding millennial Saint Emilion from Jean-Luc Thunévin. Tasted December 2016.Inc. VAT£2,882.47 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Intense aromas of blackberry, chocolate and spice. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and loads of fruit. Long. Spicy and chewy. This has guts. Structured. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made. -JSInc. VAT£2,234.47 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)
The 2005 Valandraud is off the charts. Easily one of the wines of the vintage, the 2005 Valandraud possesses tremendous richness from start to finish. Moreover, it has aged exquisitely. Inky red fruit, iron, smoke, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and blood orange infuse the 2005 with striking layers of nuance to play off all that unctuous fruit. This full-throttle Saint-Émilion is a prodigious effort from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud.Inc. VAT£3,239.95 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2008 Valandraud has a generous nose that is ripe, more animally and savory than its peers, touches of fennel developing and almost garrigues in style. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry with high-toned, iodine-tinged red fruit lavished in new wood. There is a fine line of acidity but it feels a little hard and short towards the pencil lead finish, possibly from the Cabernet Franc contribution. It took time to come around in the glass but it does open with flourish, so decanting is advisable. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.Inc. VAT£2,935.90 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2010 Château Valandraud is every bit as stunning as it was on release. Still vivid purple/plum in color, it delivers a powerful, layered bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco, truffle, and spice, with a deep sense of purity and polish. Full-bodied and plush on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins and a seamless, mouthfilling texture that makes it hard to put down. This is a thrilling Saint-Emilion with richness, depth, and balance, and it’s drinking beautifully today while promising another 2-3 decades of evolution. Drink 2025-2055.Inc. VAT£2,509.61 -
(6x75cl) 2010Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2010 Château Valandraud is every bit as stunning as it was on release. Still vivid purple/plum in color, it delivers a powerful, layered bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco, truffle, and spice, with a deep sense of purity and polish. Full-bodied and plush on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins and a seamless, mouthfilling texture that makes it hard to put down. This is a thrilling Saint-Emilion with richness, depth, and balance, and it’s drinking beautifully today while promising another 2-3 decades of evolution. Drink 2025-2055.Inc. VAT£2,021.09 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (92)
Bright, deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines red cherry, blackberry, spices and lavender. The palate offers density and fullness without any undue weight, with ripe dark berry flavors complicated by flowers, sweet oak spices and coffee. This seamless Saint-Emilion possesses terrific medicinal reserve to support a leisurely evolution in bottle.Inc. VAT£764.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
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.Inc. VAT£656.75 -
(12x75cl) 2013Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2013 Valandraud is one of the highlights of the year. A huge core of dark red and black fruit wraps around the palate as the 2013 shows off its considerable personality. The 2013 is almost shockingly dense for the year, yet all the elements are very much in balance. A resonant finish built on pure texture rounds things out in style. Far from an easygoing 2013, the Valandraud is going to need some time to fully come together. This is an impressive showing from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud.Inc. VAT£1,547.23 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
The 2014 Valandraud from Saint-Emilion superstar Jean-Luc Thunevin is certainly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, and while I can be a little humdrum with regards to 2014, this is one of the few that will cause your heart rate to jump. A deep purple/ruby color is accompanied by a terrific perfume of ripe black cherries, blackberries, Asian spices, decaying flowers and hints of tobacco. Deep, layered, full-bodied, and tannic, it needs to be forgotten for at least 4-5 years and will keep for two decades. It’s one of the few “do not miss” wines in 2014.Inc. VAT£646.78 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Cassis, mineral-laced blue fruits, chocolate, sappy herbs, and graphite all define the 2015 Château Valandraud, a full-bodied, pure, and focused Saint-Emilion that has remarkable purity and flat-out insanely gorgeous aromatics. On the palate, it's still incredibly concentrated and has a blockbuster style, yet it's starting to shed its baby fat and take on a more classic, composed character. This is an extraordinary wine that deserves several more years of cellaring and will drink beautifully over the following decades. Drink 2026-2055.Inc. VAT£1,169.21 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Cassis, mineral-laced blue fruits, chocolate, sappy herbs, and graphite all define the 2015 Château Valandraud, a full-bodied, pure, and focused Saint-Emilion that has remarkable purity and flat-out insanely gorgeous aromatics. On the palate, it's still incredibly concentrated and has a blockbuster style, yet it's starting to shed its baby fat and take on a more classic, composed character. This is an extraordinary wine that deserves several more years of cellaring and will drink beautifully over the following decades. Drink 2026-2055.Inc. VAT£678.80
-
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2014 Trottevieille does not show as well as previous bottles although I did taste another during a trip to Bordeaux. I feel that this is more representative with blackberry and cedar on the nose, almost Left Bank in style thanks to the expressive Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied and very refined, demonstrating impressive precision if not the intensity on the finish. Very fine. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond£316.00 -
(6x150cl) 2015
James Suckling (98-99)
This is phenomenal. Greatest wine from here. Such class and power. It starts off slowly and then goes on for minutes. Full body. Yet racy. The new 1961Trotte.In Bond£653.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Complex aromas of blackberries, dried flowers and other dark fruit. Shows hints of cedar and blackberries. Full-bodied, dense and wonderfully integrated with rich tannins that just melt into the wine. Extremely fine and focused finish. Shows harmony and balance. Better after 2024.In Bond£793.00 -
(1x75cl) 2016
James Suckling (98)
Complex aromas of blackberries, dried flowers and other dark fruit. Shows hints of cedar and blackberries. Full-bodied, dense and wonderfully integrated with rich tannins that just melt into the wine. Extremely fine and focused finish. Shows harmony and balance. Better after 2024.In Bond£98.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2018
James Suckling (98-99)
Wow. This really sends a tingle down my spine. Love the energy and length to this. Very distinguished. Full-bodied yet tight, polished and compressed. It has a great finish. Exciting. Really.In Bond£400.00 -
Decanter (97)
Intense and concentrated on the nose, so full of aromas, rich and complex. Succulent and sophisticated, this is just so delicious. Crunchy strawberry and red cherry fruit with bright and round edges change into deep and heady blackcurrant and plum with a cool and liquorice spiced aspect as the wine makes an impact and travels from start to finish. The texture is smooth and fine, with a sense of life and joy, while the flavours are layered and complex. This has a really captivating spice to it, not at all harsh but present and indicative of the alcohol, that gives the wine frame and body. Serious with a very long life ahead but I love the way it changes in the glass giving you small hints of glamour, power and personality.In Bond£203.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Fantastic texture and structure to this wine with firm, silky tannins that go on and on. Love the crushed blackberries, blueberries and salt. Floral and mineral character, too. Full and tight with great length. Chewy at the very end, indicating real structure. All about structure and length. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 49% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.In Bond£523.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Fantastic texture and structure to this wine with firm, silky tannins that go on and on. Love the crushed blackberries, blueberries and salt. Floral and mineral character, too. Full and tight with great length. Chewy at the very end, indicating real structure. All about structure and length. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 49% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.In Bond£276.00 -
(3x150cl) 2021
James Suckling (94-95)
This is very tangy and bright with real cabernet franc character, showing currant, orange and fresh-herb notes. Medium body with wonderful energy and acidity. Fine tannins. Racy and juicy. 54% cabernet franc, 45% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.In Bond£348.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is very tangy and bright with real cabernet franc character, showing currant, orange and fresh-herb notes. Medium body with wonderful energy and acidity. Fine tannins. Racy and juicy. 54% cabernet franc, 45% merlot, and 1% cabernet sauvignon.In Bond£288.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (98-99)
Wow, this is really something. It is full and powerful with truly impressive depth of fruit. Yet, it remains agile and structural, with flexed muscles, balanced by a sense of floating. Well defined and poised. 53% cabernet franc, 44% merlot, and 3% cabernet. Will it be better than 2022?In Bond£734.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Wow, this is really something. It is full and powerful with truly impressive depth of fruit. Yet, it remains agile and structural, with flexed muscles, balanced by a sense of floating. Well defined and poised. 53% cabernet franc, 44% merlot, and 3% cabernet. Will it be better than 2022?In Bond£329.50 -
Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of French wine with the Chateau Turon La Croix Bordeaux Superieur 2015. Produced in the revered right bank of Bordeaux, this elegant red wine is a compelling embodiment of the Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blends that the region is famed for. Chateau Turon La Croix meticulously cultivates these grapes on their 30 hectares vineyard, employing a viticultural practice that nurtures both the fruit and the land. Ensuring optimal maturity, the grapes are hand-harvested on the vineyard's clay and limestone soils, pressed gently, and vinified separately. The final blend of the Chateau Turon La Croix Bordeaux Superieur 2015 demonstrates a perfect balance - a testament to their perennial quest for perfection. The wine sleeps for 12 months in French oak barrels, adding a subtle complexity to its structured tannins and vibrant fruit expression. The Chateau Turon La Croix Bordeaux Superieur 2015 is an experience for any oenophile; sensual, refined, and deeply satisfying.
In Bond£68.00 -
(12x75cl) 2010
Embarking on a sensory journey with Ulysse Cazabonne 2010, one’s palate is enamoured by its urbane sophistication. This exquisite Bordeaux wine's divine origin is the famed vineyards of Pauillac, France, demonstrating the exemplary winemaking craftsmanship carried in the Cazabonne lineage. The enticing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in hand-selected oak barrels, results in a redolent bouquet of black fruit, toasted oak and spice. Ulysse Cazabonne’s exceptional team, under the careful guidance of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s former cellarmaster, Patrick Léon, meticulously brings forth the delicate balance and intensity of flavours. With its rich, velvety textures and impressively sustained finish, the Ulysse Cazabonne 2010 leaves an indelible impression on the discerning oenophile. A testament to its grandeur, this vintage serves as a wonderful exemplification of the winery's dedication to meticulous viticulture and innovative vinification techniques.
In Bond£357.00 -
Valade 2010 epitomises the artistry of meticulous winemaking, hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Bordeaux's Médoc region. Crafted by the venerable Maison Valade, renowned for their commitment to excellence, this vintage showcases a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes hand-selected from prime terroirs. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, the wine undergoes a delicate aging process in French oak barrels for eighteen months, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes. The 2010 harvest benefited from a perfect growing season, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness and balance. On the palate, Valade 2010 delivers a rich tapestry of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and cedar, supported by refined tannins and a lingering finish. This exceptional wine not only reflects the pinnacle of Valade’s craftsmanship but also offers a remarkable expression of its distinguished origin. Valade 2010 is a quintessential choice for connoisseurs seeking depth, complexity, and timeless elegance.
In Bond£245.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
Superb, saturated dark ruby color. Knockout aromas of black raspberry, smoked duck and suave, smoky oak. Thick, sweet and velvety in the mouth; the fruit explodes with aeration, saturating those hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Really fabulous sweetness. A slightly roasted note suggests great ripeness (though I recall Thunevin telling me two years ago that this wine could have been even greater had he waited another few days to harvest!). Ultrasuave tannins are buried in a wave of fruit. One of the longest finishes of the vintage. Purists may argue that a wine like this cannot possible match such '95s as Latour or Margaux or Petrus for terroir character or class, but few wines can match the '95 Valandraud for sheer hedonistic pleasure.In Bond£5,242.00 -
(12x75cl) 1996
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-92)
Saturated ruby-red color. Lively aromas of black raspberry, black plum and smoky, spicy oak. Supple and very intensely flavored; not as fleshy or fat as the '95 but seamless. Again, has plenty of firming acidity. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and persistent spicy flavor. From a just-racked barrel: More precise nose hints at violet. Lush and suave in the mouth; seems fatter but every bit as fresh.In Bond£1,721.00 -
Wine Spectator (91-94)
A very, very pretty wine, with lovely fruit and berry character and hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Solid core of fruit. Score range: 91-94In Bond£574.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Tasted at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2000 Valandraud has a very dark color with just a thin crimson rim. The bouquet is exquisite: intense black cherry and blackcurrant scents, sandalwood, cedar and spices, complex and involving, the aromatics appear to just grow and grow. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red and black fruit, fine tannins and perfect acidity. It feels backward but very tensile with a flow of energy towards the precise and deeply impressive finish. This is an outstanding millennial Saint Emilion from Jean-Luc Thunévin. Tasted December 2016.In Bond£2,370.00 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Intense aromas of blackberry, chocolate and spice. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and loads of fruit. Long. Spicy and chewy. This has guts. Structured. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made. -JSIn Bond£1,830.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)
The 2005 Valandraud is off the charts. Easily one of the wines of the vintage, the 2005 Valandraud possesses tremendous richness from start to finish. Moreover, it has aged exquisitely. Inky red fruit, iron, smoke, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and blood orange infuse the 2005 with striking layers of nuance to play off all that unctuous fruit. This full-throttle Saint-Émilion is a prodigious effort from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud.In Bond£2,660.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2008 Valandraud has a generous nose that is ripe, more animally and savory than its peers, touches of fennel developing and almost garrigues in style. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry with high-toned, iodine-tinged red fruit lavished in new wood. There is a fine line of acidity but it feels a little hard and short towards the pencil lead finish, possibly from the Cabernet Franc contribution. It took time to come around in the glass but it does open with flourish, so decanting is advisable. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.In Bond£2,408.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2010 Château Valandraud is every bit as stunning as it was on release. Still vivid purple/plum in color, it delivers a powerful, layered bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco, truffle, and spice, with a deep sense of purity and polish. Full-bodied and plush on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins and a seamless, mouthfilling texture that makes it hard to put down. This is a thrilling Saint-Emilion with richness, depth, and balance, and it’s drinking beautifully today while promising another 2-3 decades of evolution. Drink 2025-2055.In Bond£2,050.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2010 Château Valandraud is every bit as stunning as it was on release. Still vivid purple/plum in color, it delivers a powerful, layered bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco, truffle, and spice, with a deep sense of purity and polish. Full-bodied and plush on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins and a seamless, mouthfilling texture that makes it hard to put down. This is a thrilling Saint-Emilion with richness, depth, and balance, and it’s drinking beautifully today while promising another 2-3 decades of evolution. Drink 2025-2055.In Bond£1,665.00 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (92)
Bright, deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines red cherry, blackberry, spices and lavender. The palate offers density and fullness without any undue weight, with ripe dark berry flavors complicated by flowers, sweet oak spices and coffee. This seamless Saint-Emilion possesses terrific medicinal reserve to support a leisurely evolution in bottle.In Bond£616.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
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.In Bond£528.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2013 Valandraud is one of the highlights of the year. A huge core of dark red and black fruit wraps around the palate as the 2013 shows off its considerable personality. The 2013 is almost shockingly dense for the year, yet all the elements are very much in balance. A resonant finish built on pure texture rounds things out in style. Far from an easygoing 2013, the Valandraud is going to need some time to fully come together. This is an impressive showing from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud.In Bond£1,249.48 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
The 2014 Valandraud from Saint-Emilion superstar Jean-Luc Thunevin is certainly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, and while I can be a little humdrum with regards to 2014, this is one of the few that will cause your heart rate to jump. A deep purple/ruby color is accompanied by a terrific perfume of ripe black cherries, blackberries, Asian spices, decaying flowers and hints of tobacco. Deep, layered, full-bodied, and tannic, it needs to be forgotten for at least 4-5 years and will keep for two decades. It’s one of the few “do not miss” wines in 2014.In Bond£519.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Cassis, mineral-laced blue fruits, chocolate, sappy herbs, and graphite all define the 2015 Château Valandraud, a full-bodied, pure, and focused Saint-Emilion that has remarkable purity and flat-out insanely gorgeous aromatics. On the palate, it's still incredibly concentrated and has a blockbuster style, yet it's starting to shed its baby fat and take on a more classic, composed character. This is an extraordinary wine that deserves several more years of cellaring and will drink beautifully over the following decades. Drink 2026-2055.In Bond£933.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Cassis, mineral-laced blue fruits, chocolate, sappy herbs, and graphite all define the 2015 Château Valandraud, a full-bodied, pure, and focused Saint-Emilion that has remarkable purity and flat-out insanely gorgeous aromatics. On the palate, it's still incredibly concentrated and has a blockbuster style, yet it's starting to shed its baby fat and take on a more classic, composed character. This is an extraordinary wine that deserves several more years of cellaring and will drink beautifully over the following decades. Drink 2026-2055.In Bond£545.00
Bordeaux's relatively diverse weather, particularly its rainfall, means that vintage variation can be quite broad between some years. However advances in wine making techniques, technology and investment has meant that many chateaux are still able to create very good wines in "lesser vintages". From the best vintages wines are made that are clambered for all over the world and mature excellently for many years.
This is a selection of some of our favourite vintages from Bordeaux over the last few decades, as well some more recent ones.
