2013 Valandraud

From a challenging vintage, the 2013 Château Valandraud is nevertheless an outstanding wine, revealing a pretty nose of currants, lead pencil, tobacco leaf, and hints of herbs. Medium-bodied on the palate, this balanced, spicy, complex, mature Saint-Emilion should have no issues drinking well for another 7-8 years, if not a decade.

Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2013 Valandraud did not quite match up to its barrel showing, although frankly it is not far off. The final blend is 92% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the smallest production in recent years at 10,000 bottles. It has a light and rather insubstantial bouquet with airy black fruit and undergrowth aromas, although little in the sense of terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, supple dark cherry and blackberry fruit, well-judged acidity and a nicely poised, easy-drinking finish that serves its purpose: to give pleasure. No, not the best Claret ever made, but for a 2013 it is absolutely fine. Tasted December 2016.

Tasted blind. Very dark. Quite sombre and dark-fruited but not expressive. Serious, savoury and chewy but not tough. Not giving much now but good potential. (JH)