Valandraud 2017

vinous98

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

One of the stars of the vintage, the 2017 Valandraud has turned out even better than I expected. It was magnificent in two separate tastings. Deep and sumptuous, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts intensity and power. Dark red cherry, red plum, chocolate, licorice and spice build as this explosive wine shows off its personality. There are only a few wines in 2017 that are truly exciting and viscerally thrilling. Valandraud is one of them. Don't miss it!

vinous96

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

A majestic, sumptuous wine, the 2017 Valandraud has so much to offer. The interplay of the rich red and raspberry fruit along with elements of underlying tension give the 2017 explosive energy to balance its natural sumptuousness. Hints of rose petal, mint and licorice develop in the glass, but it is the wine' vibrancy that is most compelling today. The 2017 Valandraud is exceptionally beautiful. I won't be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. Sadly, production is down to around 25,000 bottles from the more typical 40,000 or so.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2017 Valandraud is very deep in colour. The nose is very intense with black cherries, blueberry, fig jam and black olive compote, nicely defined but perhaps intending to close down for two or three years. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, fleshy tannins. There is a mixture of red and black fruit laced with black pepper and truffle, sweet and velvety towards the precocious finish that you might mistake for a 2018. Very sensual, but afford it several year in bottle.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2017 Valandraud was 30% impacted by the frost on the lower reaches of vines, which were either deselected into the troisième vin or sold off. The wine was picked from 10 October and then sporadically over the next week, relatively late. It is matured in 100% new oak as usual. It has a very intense, voluptuous bouquet with layers of crème de cassis, boysenberry and blueberry fruit, a little glossier than I was anticipating, what you might call a “ravishing” nose. The palate is full-bodied with saturated tannin, rounded in texture with layers of black cherry, blueberry and cassis fruit. This is a bold Valandraud that shrugs off the effects of the frost and goes full-throttle towards the finish whilst maintaining sufficient freshness and tension that it never palls in the mouth.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Valandraud gives up crushed blackcurrants, chocolate-covered cherries and espresso on the nose with hints of licorice, tar and smoked meats. The palate is medium-bodied with a solid frame of ripe, sweet tannins and just enough freshness to contain the bombastic fruit, finishing long and berry-laced.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2017 Valandraud is very deep in colour. The nose is very intense with black cherries, blueberry, fig jam and black olive compote, nicely defined but perhaps intending to close down for two or three years. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, fleshy tannins. There is a mixture of red and black fruit laced with black pepper and truffle, sweet and velvety towards the precocious finish that you might mistake for a 2018. Very sensual, but afford it several year in bottle.

james_suckling94

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Lots of beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruits here. Medium to full body, round and very polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Wet-earth undertones. Velvety mouthfeel at the end.

james_suckling96

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Intense, ripe dark plums and berries with graphite and stones, as well as fresh, cedary oak. This has powerful yet very seamless and intense fruit presence with a very concentrated array of ripe dark plums and rich, assertive fruit, which builds smoothly on the finish. Impressive poise here. A blend of 90% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2025.