Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Valandraud
Label Name:
 
St Emilion Gcc
Vintage:
 
2003
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
15%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 20%
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Representative scores: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) ~93 (earlier reviews), Wine Spectator 93, Vinous/Stephen Tanzer ~92–93; later Neal Martin (Wine Advocate vertical tasting) gave ~86 (2017). Multiple reviewers praise concentration, oak and length

Tasting Note
Full-bodied, concentrated black fruit of blackberry and blackcurrant with notes of licorice, espresso, cocoa, violet and tobacco. Firm, chewy tannins, spicy oak and a long savory finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, braised beef, aged cheddar, mushroom risotto. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ short ribs, soy‑braised beef (beef in black bean/soy sauce).

Production Method
Hand-harvested, low-yield vintage; fermentations in temperature-controlled vats with extended maceration; matured ~20–24 months in new and recent French oak barrels.

Vineyard Info
Produced by Jean‑Luc Thunevin & Murielle Andraud’s Château Valandraud — a 'garagiste' micro‑château founded 1991; promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé B (Saint‑Émilion) in 2012.