The 2019 Valandraud is a Bordeaux Blend red wine hailing from the prestigious Saint Emilion sub-region in Bordeaux, France. With its deep and enticing red color, this wine captures the essence of elegance and sophistication. The wine is produced by Valandraud, a renowned producer known for their commitment to crafting exceptional wines.
On the nose, the 2019 Valandraud is highly charged and high toned, exuding abundant and seriously expressive aromas. The bouquet is a beautiful medley of dried flowers, black and blue fruits, scorched earth, chocolate, gravelly earth, spicy oak, and sappy flowers. It is a kaleidoscope of fragrances that entices and captivates the senses.
Upon tasting, this wine showcases vivid and focused flavors with brightness and clarity of fruit. The layers of fine, soft tannins spread across the palate, displaying class and refinement. The wine has a full-bodied structure and an incredibly long finish that lingers on the palate for minutes. It is a truly beautiful bottle that is already attractive, but will further evolve with aging.
Renowned wine critics have praised the 2019 Valandraud, with James Suckling awarding it a score of 98 points. He describes it as a "beautiful bottle" that is already appealing but recommends trying it after 2027. Jeb Dunnuck also awards this wine an outstanding score of 99 points, praising its insane purity of fruit, brilliant tannins, and stacked mid-palate. He suggests that it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will continue to evolve for 2-3 decades.
Decanter gives this wine a score of 97 points, highlighting its excellent depth, concentrated fruit flavors, and balanced acidity. They describe it as a bold wine with tons of flavor, personality, and excellent freshness. Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, rates it at 98 points, admiring its majestic and opulent characteristics, fruit-filled finish, and velvet-textured mouthfeel.
The 2019 Valandraud has also received accolades from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (96 points), Vinous (97+ points), Wine Enthusiast (100 points), Wine Spectator (95 points), and Jane Anson (97 points). These rave reviews further solidify the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of this wine.
In conclusion, the 2019 Valandraud is a truly exceptional Bordeaux Blend red wine from the esteemed Saint Emilion sub-region. With its vibrant flavors, fine tannins, and remarkable longevity, this wine is a testament to the talent and dedication of Valandraud. It is a wine that deserves a place in any wine lover's cellar and promises a truly remarkable tasting experience.