Tasted at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2000 Valandraud has a very dark color with just a thin crimson rim. The bouquet is exquisite: intense black cherry and blackcurrant scents, sandalwood, cedar and spices, complex and involving, the aromatics appear to just grow and grow. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red and black fruit, fine tannins and perfect acidity. It feels backward but very tensile with a flow of energy towards the precise and deeply impressive finish. This is an outstanding millennial Saint Emilion from Jean-Luc Thunévin. Tasted December 2016.

The fully mature, flamboyant, exuberant 2000 Valandraud offers beautiful notes of coffee, blackberries, sweet cherries, licorice, and smoke. Medium to full-bodied with a buffet of aromas and flavors as well as sweet tannin and a plush, succulent mouthfeel, this is a terrific effort from proprietor Thunevin. It should drink well for another 8-10 years.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #189, Jun 2010)

Bright medium ruby. Roasted aromas of blackberry, black raspberry, cherry, lead pencil and espresso, plus an exotic suggestion of peach. Thick and impressively concentrated, with lovely clarity of berry and cherry flavors thanks to firm acidity. Full, deep, lush and very long, with thoroughly ripe, sweet tannins suffusing the entire palate. This has the best mouth coverage of any of Thunevin 2000s.