Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2007 Valandraud was a big surprise given that this is supposed to be an off-vintage. It has a rounded and opulent bouquet, especially considering the growing season, with quite precocious kirsch, mulberry and cassis scents interlaced with cigar box and smoke aromas. You ask yourself whether there is any Cabernet Franc here and the answer is none - the 2007 is 100% Merlot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, precise and elegant with wild strawberry and raspberry fruit that is seamlessly integrated with the oak. Considering this is a 2007, this is just a beautifully crafted wine that is probably à point, though shows absolutely no sign of any decline. Tasted December 2016.

Good bright medium ruby. Lively aromas of blackberry, black cherry, violet and licorice. Juicy and penetrating, with very good mouth coverage to its blackberry fruit. Not a fat style, even though this year's wine is 100% merlot, but ripe, harmonious acidity gives it real verve and extends the finish. Tannins are ripe and sweet. A very good showing. (Valandraud's second wine, Virginie de Valandraud, was a bit lower-toned on the nose, then pliant and flavorful in the mouth but showing a bit of unabsorbed acidity.)

Healthy ruby with lots of evolution at the rim. Warm black-fruit compote on the nose. Lightly dusty on top of mellow bloody fruit. Pretty classic St-Émilion in a low-key register with a slightly pinched finish. Acidity just starting to make its presence felt. (JR)