CHATEAU VALANDRAUD, SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU

BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2009

In 1989, successful negociant Jean-Luc Thunevin partnered with Murielle Andraud to purchase a 0.6-hectare plot of vines near Chateau Pavie Macquin in Saint-Emilion. Having no money for a winery, the first vintages, including their 100 case debut, was produced in a borrowed garage. This would spark the garagistes or “garage wine” movement of unconventional winemakers crafting micro-quantities of high quality wine with soaring demand.
 

Because of his unconventional methods, Jean-Luc Thunevin quickly gained the reputation of being the “bad boy” of Saint-Emilion. In 2002 Jean-Luc covered portions of the Valandraud vineyards with plastic sheets to prevent rain damage before the harvest. This controversial act caused an uproar with INAO, the government branch that regulates the AOC rules, forbidding wines created from the protected vines to be labeled as Saint-Emilion. These wines were renamed as “L’Interdit de V…D” which translates to “the forbidden wine of V…D.”
 

Being unconventional however, has also had its upsides. Thunevin was one of the first to recognize the growth potential in China and Japan, exporting a large percentage of the wine to Asia, further increasing the demand for Valandraud. Over the years, Valandraud has increased its holdings to 7.5 hectares, still miniscule compared to Cheval Blanc at 42 hectares and Angelus at 39 hectares. Since 2008 Murielle Andraud has taken over all winemaking and is frankly…killing it. The vineyards are planted with 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec. The wine is aged in new barrels for 24-30 months depending on the vintage with a mere 2,500 case production to supply the entire world.
 

Today we have a rare back-vintage offering of Chateau Valandraud. 2009 is considered one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of all time, and Valandraud was certainly a top achiever receiving high praise from critics all around. Anyone who has had the pleasure of tasting a newly released Valandraud will agree that while delicious, the wine needs about 10 years to hit its stride. With just the right time in the cellar, today’s 10-year-old Valandraud has come together beautifully and is firing on all cylinders. As the allocation we received is just barely enough to make an offer, we suggest acting quickly to secure your order. Orders in 6 bottle increments will be delivered in 6-pack Original Wooden Cases.