97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2022 Valandraud is fabulous. Rich and plush, with no hard edges, the 2022 is an exotic beauty. I imagine it will need the better part of a decade to be approachable, as its fruit intensity and tannic heft are both notable. Inky dark red/purplish fruit, new leather, tobacco and baking spice all build in the glass. The 2022 deftly balances opulence and finesse in grand style. Tasted two times. 01/2025

96

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2022 Valandraud has an intense nose that curiously reminds me of Burgundy, with plenty of crème de cassis, veins of blueberry and crushed violet. A bit of alcohol is present, but this retains satisfying delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and a creamy texture. The acidity keeps you on your toes as this gains weight towards the finish, delivering notes of black pepper and clove. Very harmonious and well crafted, the 2022 Valandraud will age well over the next 20 to 25 years. 01/2025

99

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Château Valandraud is sensational, offering a massive array of blackcurrants, chocolate, smoked tobacco, baking spices, and truffly earth. Full-bodied and deeply layered, it has a velvety mouthfeel, polished tannins, and remarkable purity. It reminds me of a hypothetical blend of the 2020 and 2019. Based on 85% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was vinified and aged 22 months in new barrels. It will evolve gracefully for 20-30 years. 02/2025

99

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre, belle, pourpre et profonde. Grand nez intense, pur, complexe et truffé. Gras à l'attaque, complexe en milieu de bouche, profond aussi, avec de la classe dans le toucher et beaucoup de goût, le vin fond dans le palais. Il évolue long, dense, épicé et noble. Il est bien difficile de résister à la qualité de cette enveloppe tannique. Après le superbe 2000, Jean-Luc Thunevin nous livre ici une réalisation au niveau historique. Bravo ! 02/2025

97

James Suckling

James Suckling

A rich, glossy Valandraud delivered in a plush but polished mode. Showing lots of new wood, cocoa nibs, mocha, espresso and pine cones to the dense blackberries and a touch of roasted red peppers. Full with immense concentration, this has compact fruit and bold, dusty tannins. You hardly catch the high alcohol here with such intensity. Balanced at a high pitch. Big, voluptuous but beautiful too. 36,200 bottles made. Give it three more years to let the wood spices integrate. Drink from 2028. 02/2025