Château Valandraud 2016

Château Valandraud, once launched as a legendary garage wine, is now one of the great names of Saint-Émilion as a Premier Grand Cru Classé. Jean-Luc Thunevin shaped a mosaic of small parcels on limestone, clay and gravelly soils, whose meticulous farming and strict yield reduction produce wines of exceptional concentration and finesse. Merlot dominates, supported by Cabernet Franc and smaller proportions of other varieties. The style is powerful, dark-fruited and opulent, yet precise and carried by fine minerality. Modern vinification in small lots, luxurious barrique ageing and meticulous selection give Valandraud its iconic depth and longevity. Today the estate is considered the embodiment of the garage-wine miracle and one of Saint-Émilion’s most characterful crus.

Bordeaux is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions – a name that has stood for elegance, diversity and ageing potential for centuries. Gravel, clay and limestone soils alternate, allowing fine nuances in the wines that reflect both terroir and craftsmanship.

Bordeaux is typically known for blends in which grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc work together harmoniously.

Stylistically, red Bordeaux wines are defined by a balance of fruit, structure and freshness. The white wines – usually made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and sometimes Muscadelle – range from crisp and citrus-driven to creamy and complex.