Valandraud St-Emilion 2016

98+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "Including 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Merlot-dominated 2016 Château Valandraud is a brilliant example of this cuvée that should match or exceed the incredible 2015 at maturity. Brought up all in new oak, its deep purple color is followed by a powerful bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, smoked earth, and hints of earth. Possessing full-bodied richness, thrilling purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and just about perfect balance, it's another tour de force from the incredibly talented Jean-Luc Thunevin. It's slightly more elegant than the L'Interdit de Valandraud cuvée and will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for two decades or more. Drink: 2023-2043. (Feb 2019)"

98 points James Suckling: "Incredible perfumes and beauty with ripe plum and berry character, as well as an array of spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Full-bodied, firm and silky with beautifully polished tannins. Rendered and defined. A wine with lovely, classy nature and personality. One of the best Valandrauds I have tasted at this stage. Try from 2026. (1/16/19)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Valandraud is exceptionally beautiful. Powerful and explosive in the glass, the 2016 is superb today. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, espresso, leather and smoke add layers of nuance. One of the things I like most about Valandraud in 2016 is the combination of fruit richness and vibrancy. Those elements make for a stunning, punchy Saint-Émilion that hits all the right notes. This is a fabulous showing from Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud. Drink: 2024-2041. (Jan 2019)"

97 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "My first crack at this wine since I tasted it during the primeurs, this is dark, intense and classically Thunevin in style, with a display of intensely focused fruits, with crushed black plums and black raspberries, all wrapped in the complex scents of rose petals, powdered chalk, black bean, black pepper and soy. The palate brings this all together in a substantially structured frame, brooding and brimming with black plum skins and crushed rocks. The finish is great, a real swirling melange of concentrated fruits and powdery tannins, and it is incredibly long too. This is an excellent result from Jean-Luc Thunevin and his team. (Dec 2018)"

97 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Juicy, spicy and with wonderful fruit, this is developing splendidly. With black-currant flavors and tannins that give structure while allowing plenty of room for the fruit and balanced acidity, it is certain to age well. Drink from 2025. Alcohol 14.5%. (May 2019)"

96+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Valandraud packs a wallop on the nose with bombastic scents of baked black plums, cherry compote, coffee beans and licorice plus hints of hoisin, cedar chest and sautéed herbs. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and a fantastically long finish.. Drink: 2022-2058. (Nov 2018)"

96 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Valandraud offers an exquisite bouquet of pure dark cherry and crushed strawberry scents mixed with pressed flowers and hints of spice. The medium-bodied palate is harmonious and silky-smooth, with supple tannin and just a touch of black pepper and cedar toward the persistent finish. Jean-Luc Thunevin has crafted a supremely gifted Saint-Émilion. Drink: 2022-2045. (Jan 2019)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "This is a full display of fruit, with raspberry preserve, plum reduction and creamed boysenberry notes streaming through in lockstep, while light bramble and singed vanilla accents happily take a back seat throughout. An echo of chalky minerality at the very end adds refinement and length. Best from 2022 through 2038. (3/31/19)"