Chateau Valandraud 2022

A Premier Grand Cru Classé B of Saint-Émilion, Château Valandraud is renowned for its modern, concentrated style and exceptional precision. It reveals aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, violet, graphite, cedar, dark chocolate, espresso, and baking spice. Powerful yet beautifully refined, it delivers velvety tannins, vibrant freshness, extraordinary depth, and an exceptionally long, age-worthy finish.

Food Pairing: Pair with beef Wellington, Wagyu steak, roast lamb, duck breast, venison, black truffle dishes, aged Comté, or braised short ribs.

97 Points - James Suckling

A rich, glossy Valandraud delivered in a plush but polished mode. Showing lots of new wood, cocoa nibs, mocha, espresso and pine cones to the dense blackberries and a touch of roasted red peppers. Full with immense concentration, this has compact fruit and bold, dusty tannins. You hardly catch the high alcohol here with such intensity. Balanced at a high pitch. Big, voluptuous but beautiful too. 36,200 bottles made. Give it three more years to let the wood spices integrate. Drink from 2028.

95 Points - Wine Spectator

Alluring singed alder and black tea accents lead the way, followed by a dense core of steeped blackberry and black currant fruit. A swath of licorice root, warm earth and tobacco coats the finish, with the fruit keeping pace. Lengthy and velvety in feel, this is almost approachable now. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2040. 3,300 cases made.