96

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2023 Valandraud is such an elegant wine. Soft, supple contours envelop a core of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, new leather and licorice. Readers will find an incredibly finessed Valandraud—a wine that is more finesse than power. I can’t wait to see how it ages. 03/2026

94

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2023 Valandraud is matured entirely in new oak with no sulfites added during the aging, using CO2 to protect the wine instead. This has a little more refinement on the nose than the Virginie de Valandraud, impressive precision and it deftly soaks up the new oak compared to its peers (as it often does). The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, the 8% Cabernet Sauvignon imparting marine-like notes toward the finish. Good backbone, just a bit heady in the final stretches. 02/2026

95-97

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

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. 05/2024

97

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, pur et subtil. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, particulièrement gras au milieu, le vin évolue dense et complexe, avec de la classe dans le toucher de bouche. Il fond en finale noble, profond, sur une grande longueur savoureuse, au grain fin. Assemblage : 84 % merlot, 8 % cabernet franc, 8 % cabernet sauvignon. Rendement : 40 hl/ha. Degré d'alcool : 15° - pH : 3,50. 04/2024

97-98

James Suckling

James Suckling

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. 04/2024