Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 16
Long-term wine that was the group’s favourite within its flight. Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Obvious Merlot with lushness. Very sweet start. Then all zipped up to a tight dry end at the moment. May bloom but it’s not 100% obvious that it will at this stage.
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2044
Robert Parker 96
Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Valandraud is still sporting a fair bit of oak on the nose, with the cedary notions giving way to a profound core of Black Forest cake, stewed plums and boysenberry preserves, plus suggestions of espresso, clove oil, unsmoked cigars and charcuterie with a waft of Chinese five spice. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with rich black fruit preserves, framed by sturdy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and tinged with exotic spices. It will need a good 5-6 years for everything to marry and for the nuances to be fully expressed, then enjoy it over the next 25+ years.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2051
Vinous 97+
The 2018 Valandraud is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel, maybe more. Power and vertical, with tons of explosive energy, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate all race across the palate. The 2018 is a wine of tremendous stature that distinguishes itself in a vintage peppered with stunning wines. I would allow for a few years in bottle to help the tannins soften. I loved it.
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2043
