Valandraud 2011

Jean-Luc Thunevin's blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc spent 25 months in barrel prior to being bottled. The color is a saturated dense purple and the expressive aromatics include sweet mulberries, black cherries, cassis, spring flowers, chocolate and background oak. Opulent and full-bodied, this stunning, seamless classic is a fabulous example of the talents of Thunevin and his partner, Murielle Andraud. This 2011 can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. Kudos!

The Grand Vin was picked between 5th and 10th October and delivers around 14.5% alcohol, whilst the malolactics had finished just two weeks prior to my tasting in early April. I will cut to the chase, because yet again (whisper is quietly) I prefer the bouquet on the Virginie. It has a very ripe crème de cassis, blueberry scented bouquet, which has a touch of warmth to it. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe cassis and spice on the entry. The texture is soft and velvety with a cashmere finish, which I prefer to the nose. Tasted April 2012.

A big, juicy wine for the vintage with lots of fruit and new wood. Full-bodied, chewy and intense. Needs time to soften and come together. Try in 2016.

Not quite up to the usual high standards of this Right Bank trailblazer, this was in an awkward phase when I tasted it from barrel, showing a lot of smoky, dry oak and extraction. But look beneath the squid ink colour and the barrel staves and there's plenty of rich, textured plum and blackberry fruit. 12+ years.

A richly flavoured and powerful offering from the Thunevin team. Deep, saturated colour. It has ripe, dark extract, a sumptuous flavour and aroma and it's firmly structured for ageing. Drink 2018-2030.