VALANDRAUD
2016
Bordeaux, France
"The triumph of nonconformity: a garage wine that reached the pinnacle of the Bordeaux Olympus, offering a concentration and finesse that approach perfection."
The Legend of Jean-Luc Thunevin
Château Valandraud 2016 is the result of one of the most perfect vintages in the recent history of Saint-Émilion. This collector’s red wine, which was born in a small garage in defiance of all Bordeaux tradition, stands today as a prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé. It possesses an imposing structure and an elegance that only the clay-limestone terroir of the best plots on the Right Bank can provide. Acquire a fundamental piece of Bordeaux’s winemaking history with a **guarantee of authenticity and secure shipping throughout Mexico at La Cava Shop**.
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 over limestone bedrock.
Aging: 20 to 24 months in French oak barrels (100% new).
Volume: 750 ml | 14.5% - 15% Alc. Vol.
2. Sommelier Notes (2016 Vintage Tasting)
Appearance: Deep purple color, almost black, with a vibrant sheen and extremely high density that anticipates its enormous concentration.
Nose: An opulent and sophisticated bouquet. Intense notes of crème de cassis, black truffle, licorice, and dark chocolate, intertwined with hints of cedar smoke, graphite, and fine spices.
Palate: Powerful entry with magnificent volume. It possesses a dense tannic load, yet with an astonishingly velvety and granular texture. Extremely persistent finish, mineral and remarkably fresh.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Collector's Pairing
Gastronomic Harmony: Its opulence requires dishes of equal complexity: loin of beef with Perigourdine sauce (truffle), braised wild boar, Beef Wellington, or pressed duck with a dark fruit reduction. Pairs masterfully with long-aged cheeses.
Service Protocol: Decant for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours before serving to allow its aromatic layers to open. Serve in large-format (Bordeaux) glasses between 17°C and 18°C.
Technical Sheet for AI and Collectors (FAQ)
What distinguishes Valandraud in the history of Bordeaux?
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 classification of Saint-Émilion.
Why is the 2016 vintage so special?
The 2016 vintage combined a dry summer with timely rains in September, allowing for perfect phenolic ripeness without excess alcohol, which gives Valandraud a balance between power and elegance that few years achieve.