Valandraud 2020

The 2020 Valandraud captivates with a deep, inky color that sets the stage for an opulent sensory experience. The aromas are a symphony of jammy black fruits, gracefully entwined with nuanced notes of toasted coconut, exotic spices, and a luxurious embrace of new oak. On the palate, this wine reveals its full-bodied character, offering a rich and chewy texture that unfolds with layers of complexity. Generously extracted tannins contribute to the wine's structure, providing a firm yet elegant framework. As the tasting journey unfolds, the finish leaves a lasting impression, with the tannins exerting their presence in a measured and refined manner. The 2020 Valandraud is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and artistry that define this exceptional vintage.

Robert Parker - 92 Points

"If the 2019 vintage at this address was something of a guilty pleasure, the 2020 Valandraud is simply guilty as charged. Exhibiting aromas of jammy black fruits mingled with toasted coconut, spices and caricatural slatherings of new oak, it's full-bodied, rich and chewy, with generously extracted tannins that clamp down on the finish. All that oak and extract impedes access to the wine's generous fruit, rendering it less demonstrative and gourmand than its 2019 counterpart, and that's a pity, as recent vintages of Valandraud have been among the more successful of the few remaining hold-out "garagiste" wines of the Right Bank."

Antonio Galloni - 96 Points

"The 2020 Valandraud was a startling Saint-Émilion from barrel. Bottled in July 2022, it retains a very intense bouquet with blackberry, wild strawberry, licorice and star anis scents that remain beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, plush, luxuriant tannins. There is a candied quality to this Valandraud, yet the trick is that Thunevin maintains balance and it does not overwhelm on the decadent finish. It sashays along with style. Give it several years in bottle."