Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Valandraud |
Label Name: | St Emilion Gcc |
Vintage: | 1996 |
Country: | France |
Region: | Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux) |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 12.5% |
Grape(s): | Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carmenere |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 3 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 4 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 91 pts (Wine Advocate #122, Apr 1999); Wine Spectator ~87; James Suckling ~90 (merchant and critic listings). Various auction/merchant listings and vertical tastings note strong ageing and collector interest
Tasting Note
Evolved dark-fruited profile: black cherry, plum, coffee, truffle and spice with hints of iodine/tea. Medium–full body, velvety texture, sweet ripe tannins and long, savory finish.
Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, ribeye or aged beef, porcini mushroom risotto, hard aged cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, braised beef short ribs, shiitake mushroom stir-fry or soy-glazed dishes.
Production Method
Hand-harvested, small-batch fermentations in stainless, concrete and wood; extended maceration, malolactic in barrel; aged ~18–24 months largely in new oak; typically bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Vineyard Info
Founded 1989 by Jean‑Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud; a pioneer of Bordeaux 'garage' wines. Small estate in the Fongaban valley; promoted to Saint‑Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B in 2012.