Valandraud Magnum 2017

Having only been established in 1989, Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud have achieved an incredible amount in a short space of time with Château Valandraud, gaining St-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé (B) status and earning a reputation as one of the benchmark producers of the region. The 2017 is full-bodied yet plush and supple, offering concentrated notes of black cherry, plum, exotic spices, liquorice, espresso and woodsmoke. This is a flamboyant and bold expression of Merlot (with small amounts of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon) but is superbly tempered by bright acidity and tight-knit tannins.