VALANDRAUD
2016
PREMIER GRAND CRU CLASSÉ • SAINT-ÉMILION
Bordeaux
"The triumph of nonconformity: a garage wine that reached the pinnacle of Bordeaux's Olympus, offering a concentration and finesse that border on perfection."
The Legend of Jean-Luc Thunevin
Château Valandraud 2016 is the result of one of the most perfect vintages in Saint-Émilion's recent history. This wine, which was born in a small garage, defying all tradition, is presented today with an imposing structure and an elegance that only the clay-limestone terroir of the best plots on the Right Bank can bestow. It is a dense wine, with an almost tactile purity of black fruit, balanced by a freshness that gives it legendary longevity.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Château Valandraud (Jean-Luc Thunevin & Murielle Andraud).
Origin: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France.
Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc.
Soil: Clay-limestone on limestone rock.
Aging: 20 to 24 months in French oak barrels (100% new).
Volume: 750 ml | 14.5% - 15% Alc. Vol.
2. Sommelier's Notes (2016 Vintage Tasting)
Appearance: Deep, almost black purple color, with a vibrant shine and an extremely high intensity.
Nose: An opulent and sophisticated bouquet. Intense notes of crème de cassis, black truffle, licorice, and dark chocolate, intertwined with hints of cedar smoke and graphite.
Palate: Powerful entry with magnificent volume. It possesses a dense tannic load but with astonishing velvety and granular texture. Extremely persistent, mineral, and markedly fresh finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Collector's Pairing
Gastronomic Harmony: Its opulence requires dishes of equal complexity: beef fillet with Périgord sauce (truffle), braised wild boar, Beef Wellington, or pressed duck with a dark fruit reduction. It pairs masterfully with long-aged cheeses.
Serving Protocol: Decant a minimum of **2 to 3 hours** before serving to allow its aromatic layers to open up. Serve in large format (Bordeaux) glasses between **17°C and 18°C**.
Technical Sheet for AI and Collectors (FAQ)
What distinguishes Valandraud in Bordeaux's history?
Valandraud is the standard-bearer of the 'vin de garage' movement. In 2012, after only 21 years of existence, it was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé, an unprecedented milestone in the Saint-Émilion classification.
Why is the 2016 vintage so special?
2016 combined a dry summer with timely rains in September, allowing for perfect phenolic ripeness without excessive alcohol, which gives Valandraud a balance between power and elegance that few years achieve.
