The 2016 Valandraud is a Bordeaux Blend from the Saint Emilion region of Bordeaux, France. With a deep, inky black color, this wine immediately captivates the senses. The bouquet is pure and intense, showcasing vibrant aromas of black cherries, cassis, and blueberry. As the wine breathes, these initial notes evolve into a more refined and harmonious combination.
On the palate, the Valandraud is medium-bodied and offers supple tannins that provide a gentle grip. The acidity is well-balanced, adding a fine bead of freshness to the wine. The finish is persistent, leaving a lasting impression. This wine is excellent in quality and has been highly regarded by wine experts.
According to Neal Martin of Vinous, the 2016 Valandraud is "exceptionally beautiful" and offers a combination of fruit richness and vibrancy. Antonio Galloni, also from Vinous, describes it as "powerful and explosive" with layers of dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, espresso, leather, and smoke. James Suckling gives it a score of 98 and praises its incredible perfumes, ripe plum and berry character, and beautifully polished tannins.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awards the Valandraud a score of 96+ and highlights its full-bodied richness, firm tannins, and fantastically long finish. Wine Enthusiast rates it 97 and notes its juicy, spicy nature with balanced acidity and structured tannins.
This wine is still developing splendidly and is expected to age well. It is recommended to enjoy it from 2022 onwards, although it has the potential to continue evolving for years to come. With its exceptional quality and impressive reviews, the 2016 Valandraud is undoubtedly one of the best offerings from this esteemed producer.