Château Valandraud 2022 is the grand vin of Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud’s Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, a property that rose from “garagiste” beginnings to become one of the Right Bank’s modern benchmarks. In 2022, it again delivers the estate’s signature combination of density, polish, and assertive élevage.
Critical reception is excellent, led by Jeb Dunnuck’s 99-point review calling the wine “sensational,” citing “a massive array of blackcurrants, chocolate, smoked tobacco, baking spices, and truffly earth,” plus a “velvety mouthfeel” and “remarkable purity.” Dunnuck reports the blend as 85% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, “vinified and aged 22 months in new barrels,” with a 20–30 year trajectory.
Jeff Leve (98, The Wine Cellar Insider) highlights a “showy nose” of “licorice, camphor, incense, espresso, blackberries, and blueberries,” and describes it as “rich, creamy, and frankly luxurious,” adding that it feels “almost light on its feet” despite its power. Jane Anson (97) notes an “inky plum” color, “supple tannins,” and floral detail—“violet, rose and peony”—alongside “graphite, slate and crayon,” calling it “excellent quality” with “decades of ageing ahead,” and reporting harvest from September 15 to October 5 and “100% new oak.”
Antonio Galloni (97, Vinous) says the 2022 is “fabulous…rich and plush, with no hard edges,” while warning it may “need the better part of a decade to be approachable,” given its “tannic heft.” Decanter (96) flags the scale—“At 15.5%…one of the highest alcohols among the 2022s”—but finds it “powerful, yet sleek,” with “brilliant” acidity and “chalky tannins,” though with “flashes of heat.”
James Suckling (97) calls it “big, voluptuous but beautiful,” estimating 36,200 bottles and advising time for the “new wood…to integrate.” Wine Spectator (95) finds it “lengthy and velvety,” and “almost approachable now,” best 2026–2040. Chris Kissack (94, The Wine Independent) is more reserved about the “highly toasted oaky aromas” and a “streak of alcohol,” but expects both oak and structure to settle with age.
