2023 Chateau Valandraud Pre-Arrival Offer
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  • Nick's Import

2023 Chateau Valandraud Pre-Arrival Offer

Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE
$285. 00
Bottle
$3420.00 Dozen
Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
The 2023 Valandraud delivers exactly what you expect on the nose from Jean-Luc Thunevin's crown jewel: very polished scents of black cherries, cassis and crushed violets. One sample had a soupçon of sur-maturité, although another at the château displayed more composure and coolness. The palate is rich and fruit-driven with layers of black fruit. The sample at the château showed more backbone and grip, a healthy sprinkling of cracked black pepper and a long and persistent finish. Give this three to five years, because it is a seriously good Saint-Émilion. Drink 2030-2055.
95-97 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Wow, this is really something. Very fruity, with dark blackberries and blueberries, as well as blood oranges. It’s full and layered with great depth of fruit and chewy, polished tannins. Turns lightly salty at the end. Power with precision. 84% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon.
97-98 points
James Suckling

The Grand Vin 2023 Château Valandraud checks in as a blend of 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the most Cabernet Sauvignon ever in the blend. Raised in new barrels, pure cassis, mulberries, spicy oak, chocolate, and graphite are just some of the nuances here, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, yet elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's a big, rich, undeniably sexy wine in the vintage that will be drinkable with just short-term cellaring.
95-97 points
Jeb Dunnuck

The best barrel sample that I have tasted from this estate in a long time, as it reflects not only the dark ripe fruit one expects, but also an extra dimension of freshness, with blood red orange lift on the finish. Let's not get ahead of ourselves: the attack (with similar aromas) reflects beguiling blackberry liqueur and cassis creaminess, along with red liquorice and iodine freshness. I still get oak stave aspects from the 100% new oak (which begs some caution, given the 15% alcohol), but superb mid-palate depth combined with that fine finish augurs well for the future. Strong potential for a higher score after bottling. Drink 2026 - 2048.
94 points
Panos Kakaviatos - Decanter

Flowers, black raspberries, licorice, smoke, espresso, black cherries, and chocolate aromas create the complex aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is supple, creamy, and more importantly, energetic, with freshness, and elegant, creamy tannins. Long, intense, and concentrated, yet, light on its feet, the lingering finish keeps on going with its layers of ripe, sweet, fruits, salty chocolate, and espresso notes. Blending 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% ABV, 3.5 pH. Harvesting took place September 21 - October 15. Drink from 2029-2055.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider

Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.