Wow, this is really something. Very fruity, with dark blackberries and blueberries, as well as blood oranges. It's full and layered with great depth of fruit and chewy, polished tannins. Turns lightly salty at the end. Power with precision. 84% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon.

The 2023 Valandraud delivers exactly what you expect on the nose from Jean-Luc Thunevin's crown jewel: very polished scents of black cherries, cassis and crushed violets. One sample had a soupcon of sur-maturite, although another at the château displayed more composure and coolness. The palate is rich and fruit-driven with layers of black fruit. The sample at the chateau showed more backbone and grip, a healthy sprinkling of cracked black pepper and a long and persistent finish.