Chateau Valandraud (slightly torn label) 2005

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  This is one of the most riveting examples of Valandraud Jean-Luc Thunevin has made over the last fifteen years. Thunevin and his partner, Murielle Andraud (who has much of the responsibility for their brilliant Margaux, Marojallia), exhibit impeccable attention to detail, resulting in an inky/blue/purple-colored 2005 Valandraud boasting a sweet nose of melted chocolate, licorice, graphite, espresso roast, and copious quantities of black cherries and blackberries. Pure, layered, and full-bodied, with gorgeous integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood, this stunning effort will be drinkable in 7-8 years, and should keep for three decades.
• 95 Wine Spectator
  Dark ruby in color, with intense aromas of blackberry, mineral and dried lavender. Full-bodied, very dense and layered, with powerful tannins. This is big and very rich. A bodybuilder. Needs time. Best after 2016.
• 92 Wine Enthusiast
  One of the likely candidates for promotion to Grand Cru Classé status, this is Jean-Luc Thunevin's original estate. This year there is considerable restraint in what is normally an immensely opulent wine: it is elegant, rather than having a no-holds-barred attitude, that will make this wine a classic.
  Barrel Sample: 90-92 Points