Peter Maude Fine Wines
2020, Château Valandraud, SAINT-ÉMILION, 1er Grand Cru Classé 'B'
$342
Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
Juicy and alive, a brightness to this even though the fruits are dark in profile - blackcurrant, black cherry, herbal-tinged blueberries - heady and seductive. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast combine to give quite a full and complex palate with everything at the fore yet staying the right side of being too much. Strong and characterful but totally charming. I love the St-Emilion glamour and muscle, softly flexing with a salty minerality and unmistakable signature. 96/100 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.
Drinking Window: 2027 - 2046