2021 Valandraud (St-Emilion)

Opening in the glass with inviting aromas of dark berries, baking chocolate, exotic spices and vanilla pod, the 2021 Valandraud is a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy wine that`s seamless and layered, exhibiting impressive concentration, beautifully ripe tannins and a long, succulent finish. Bursting with fruit, this is an especially elegant Valandraud, with below-average alcohol at 13.5%, but it doesn`t lack for anything. Tasted four times, twice at the château. 93-94 points

The 2021 Valandraud was picked October 3–15 and matured for a planned 18–24 months entirely in new oak. Again, this has quite an intense bouquet of perfumed blackberry, briar and mineral scents, the latter distinguishing it from the Virginie. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe, supple tannins that frame the pure, lightly spiced red berry fruit. More linear than previous vintages, yet fresh, this is well-defined toward the finish, where a pleasant spiciness carries over on the aftertaste. 92-94 points

One of the most successful wines of the vintage. Welcoming aromatics, carefully handled, creamy raspberry and blackberry fruits, gentle toasted pine nuts and cigar box smoke. You still get the lemongrass, slate tannins and acidites that are so signature to 2021, but also a sense of pull-and-push movement of the fleshy but fresh fruits through the palate, and hidden power. Good stuff. 96 points

The 2021 Valandraud is compelling. Bright acids give the 2021 terrific purity and cut. The style of the year is perhaps a bit unusual for Valandraud, which tends to be an opulent wine, but there is a ton of potential. Aeration brings out the wine`s natural texture and breadth. Wild dark cherry, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice all build nicely. In most vintages, Valandraud offers tons of near-term appeal. The 2021, on the other hand, is a long distance runner. 93-95 points