Chateau Valandraud   Chateau Valandraud

2009 Chateau Valandraud

By Chateau Valandraud

The 2009 Chateau Valandraud from Chateau Valandraud, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The resplendent 2009 vintage of Chateau Valandraud from the hallowed commune of Saint-Emilion perpetuates the storied history of Bordeaux's right bank excellence. I have had the pleasure of following the estate's storied ascent and can attest to this particular year's vibrancy and depth—an opulent display of winemaking mastery.

 

An Exemplary Year for Investment Calibre Wines

A vintage graced by optimal climatic benevolence, 2009 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its most illustrious predecessors. The benevolent weather patterns of this year saw a balance uniquely conducive to the nurturing of grapes destined for wines of investment stature. Chateau Valandraud, under the assiduous stewardship of Jean-Luc Thunevin, has embraced this gift of nature, capturing it within the confines of each bottle.

 

Eloquent Expression and Enduring Elegance

The 2009 Chateau Valandraud articulates its heritage through a tapestry woven with rich, dark fruits, a signature complexity, and tannins that charm with their supple yet structured embrace. A cornucopia of plums, blackberries, and cherries harmonises with refined oak nuances, while hints of tobacco and graphite add layers to its already profound character.

This vintage elicits a palpable sense of place—terroir expressive in a way only Saint-Emilion can claim. It embodies the meticulous cultivation and assemblage of Merlot with its Cabernet Franc consort—a blend that forges a sense-assailing experience which resonates long after the last sip.

For those looking to enhance their portfolio with impeccable pedigree specimens from Bordeaux, integrating the 2009 Chateau Valandraud presents an astute consideration—this wine pledges not only sensory delight but also holds promise for yielding commendable returns.

 

Summation: A Vintage Inviting Connoisseurship and Investment

As an established British wine critic, I perceive the 2009 Chateau Valandraud as a harmonious confluence of climatic fortune and vinicultural finesse. For aficionados seeking to invest in liquid luxury that will ascend in both grace and value, this wine epitomises such an opportunity—one that will inevitably find its zenith with maturation’s benevolent hand guiding its evolution. Indeed, each cellar cradling this Saint-Emilion gem stands to become richer in palate pleasure as well as pecuniary potential.

Current market price

$3,990.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

140.59

Scores and tasting notes

97

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Valandraud is truly strutting its stuff right now with a bold, flamboyant nose of Black Forest cake, molten licorice, blackberry preserves and baked plums plus touches of kirsch, candied violets, star anise, unsmoked cigars, incense and a compelling waft of smoked meats. Full-bodied, the palate is a pedal-to-the-metal, fruit-n-spice blockbuster with a full-on sexy texture of beautifully plush, rounded tannins and tons of freshness to lift the very long, very perfumed finish.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 14 March 2019

Vintage performance