2015 Valandraud, St-Émilion 12-pack in OWC (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1431390
99 points
Jeb Dunnuck
A wine that will be a candidate for perfection at maturity, the 2015 Valandraud is a heavenly wine that exhibits a deep, saturated ruby/purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of blackcurrants, cassis, crème caramel, graphite, and chocolate. This full-bodied, expansive, super concentrated 2015 is a hedonistic dream and has exceptional purity, balance, and equilibrium. While it offers pleasure today, it needs short-term cellaring and will keep for 20+ years.
(11/2017)
98 points
James Suckling
Plenty of toasty oak and extract here. This has immensely concentrated fruits with powerful yet silky tannins. Blackberry and dark-plum aromas dominate the nose with hints of dark chocolate and candied orange. Flavors follow suit amid fluid, muscular tannins that hold long into the finish. Great wine. Try from 2023.
(2/2018)
98 points
Wine Enthusiast
Since the first vintage in 1991, this wine and its vineyard have travelled far. Now close to the top of the classification tree in Saint-Émilion, this vintage shows the impressive nature of this powerful wine. With a good balance between acidity and black fruits backed up by tannins, the wine is powerful and stylish. Drink from 2027. *Cellar Selection* (RV)
(4/2018)
97 points
Vinous
A gorgeous, arrestingly beautiful wine, the 2015 Valandraud delivers on all the promise it showed as a barrel sample, and then some. Soft contours and layers of sumptuous fruit add to its considerable appeal. Readers will have to give the 2015 at least a few years to develop aromatic complexity. Today, the wine's off-the-charts intensity and opulence are attention-grabbing, to be sure, but the best is yet to come. This is a superb showing from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud. The 2015 is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all fermented in barrel. (AG)
(2/2018)
96 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Valandraud is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with a profound nose of baked cherries, warm black plums, blueberry preserves and smoked meats with tilled earth, mocha, Indian spices and dried herbs nuances plus a touch of licorice. The mouth is big, full-bodied and powerful with notable, velvety tannins and it is packed with savory and spice flavor layers, finishing with epic length. This big-boned, voluptuous, Rubenesque beauty will blow hedonists' minds! (LPB) 96+
(2/2018)
95 points
Wine Spectator
Melted licorice, plum sauce and blackberry puree notes flow through here, with ample but velvety structure running underneath. Alluring ganache, violet and tobacco accents add nuance on the finish. Long and beguiling, featuring echoing fruit and a captivating mouthfeel. Drink now through 2035. (JM)
(3/2018)
94 points
Decanter
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Ripe, bright and dense dark fruit and spice aromas. Layered fruit on the palate with a real vibrancy – lots of energy. Texture smooth and velvety and tannins extremely fine. Persistent finish. Tension as always but with ripe tannins and generous fruit to give it harmony.
K&L Notes
PLEASE NOTE: This product is offered as a complete case in original packaging. If the wines are going to be shipped upon arrival, the bottles will be sent in pulp shippers to protect the bottles during shipping, with the empty case itself shipped separately on request. Will Call or Local Delivery orders can be handled as intact cases. Please detail any special handling requests at checkout online, or call us with specific instructions.
