Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Valandraud
Label Name:
 
St Emilion Gcc
Vintage:
 
1997
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux, Right Bank)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Acidity:
 
2
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
3
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) ~89 for the 1997 vintage (per trade listings). Classified as a Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru Classé; Valandraud later promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé (2012). Sources: trade and reference listings (Watson's Wine, GrandCruClasse, Château Valandraud/Wikipedia)

Tasting Note
Dense ruby-purple color. Aromas of spice box, licorice, plums, cherries and toasty oak. Lush, full-bodied and round with ripe dark fruit, sweet/ongoing tannins and low acidity; smooth, plush finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, braised beef, grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto. Asian: soy‑braised beef, Korean bulgogi, char siu (Cantonese roast pork), rich Peking duck.

Production Method
Hand‑harvested, small-batch fermentation with traditional maceration; matured ~12–18 months in French oak (notably new oak); often bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vineyard Info
Founded by Jean‑Luc Thunevin (first vintage 1991), Valandraud is a noted 'garagiste' micro‑château in Saint‑Émilion; later promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé (2012). Small production, high‑quality, modern winemaking.