Valandraud St Emilion Gcc 1996

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Valandraud
Label Name:
 
St Emilion Gcc
Vintage:
 
1996
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux, Right Bank)
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 90; Robert Parker/Wine Advocate reported ratings in the high‑80s to low‑90s for the 1996 vintage (e. g. WA cited at 91 by some sources); Valandraud promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé B in 2012

Tasting Note
Ripe black cherry and cassis with leather, coffee and truffle notes; tertiary earthiness and mocha emerge. Full-bodied, round fruit with spice and gently resolved volatile lift, long, savory finish.

Food Pairing
Roast lamb, ribeye or mushroom risotto (Western); Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu or braised beef hot pot (Asian).

Production Method
Merlot-led Bordeaux blend fermented in vats, aged ~18–20 months in new oak; traditionally bottled unfined and unfiltered for concentration and texture.

Vineyard Info
Founded by Jean‑Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud in 1989 as a 'garagiste' micro‑château; later expanded and promoted to Saint‑Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B (2012). Estate emphasizes low yields and concentrated, oak‑aged wines.