2002 Chateau Valandraud
By Chateau Valandraud
2002 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
In the august lineage of fine Bordeaux, there emerges from the terra firma of Saint-Emilion an offering that behooves the astute investor’s attention: the 2002 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud. This particular vintage embarks on a narrative distinct from its brethren, a tale woven not only of soil and vine but also of the year's unique chiaroscuro of climatic elements.
A Vintage Tinged by Nature's Whimsy
With the 2002 season unfurling under Bordeaux's capricious skies, Chateau Valandraud countered adversity with fortitude. A damp, cool summer led to challenges in ripening, and yet, through meticulous vineyard management and deft touch in the cellar, this vintage has surfaced as a testament to resilience. The harvest brought forth a yield that was spared overexuberance, resulting in wines marked by admirable complexity and balance.
The Harvest of Helios
September's gracious extension of sunlight served as salvation for the grapes that wrapped themselves in warmth, gifting 2002 Chateau Valandraud its characteristic bouquet. Savour a sip and find that this vintage articulates ripe dark fruits – cassis standing shoulder to shoulder with plums – a medley infused gracefully with undertones of sweet spice and tobacco emanating from its reverent aging.
In texture, it is simultaneously supple yet resolute; a marriage of graceful tannins with a lively acid backbone providing structure that promises incremental enhancement through cellaring. The wine's enduring poise.—reflective undoubtedly of vintner tenacity in response to meteorological vagaries—is one worthy of prolonged contemplation, be it in glass or as part of an assiduous investor’s portfolio.
An Epilogue for the Epicurean Investor
With its astutely delineated structure lending it longevity, the 2002 Chateau Valandraud highlights an informed opportunity for investors seeking to imbue their cellars with a slice of Saint-Emilion heaven. This harmonious expression from Chateau Valandraud stands as a nuanced addition to any collection, a vintage punctuated by the hallmarks of overcoming climatic tribulation through human artifice and nature's fickle grace.
Current market price
$2,690.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
161
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2002 Valandraud has a slightly foursquare bouquet at first, but it seems to gain focus and precision in the glass, a mixture of red and black fruit, orange zest and crushed violet, the latter becoming more prominent as it opens up. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. It feels quite dense in the mouth, not as complex as the 2001 Valandraud, but it is cohesive and caressing, gently unfolding with white pepper and sage on the abrupt finish. Not bad for the vintage, even though it has lost some of its pizzazz. Tasted December 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017