Valandraud St-Emilion Esprit de Valandraud 2020

93 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Heady and perfumed, with rich, ripe black fruits. Intriguing and bold. Supple, bouncy, a little more bright than some with a lovely lingering minerality and a salty wet stone touch. Tannins are fine but give the support. Not trying too hard, you get that it’s from a hot vintage but it keeps it in check. Almost sweet, almost chewy, strawberry, red cherry, lovely licks of dark chocolate, limestone, clove and cedar; all melting together. Really nuanced and characterful, feels purposeful. Not yet ready to drink, still has that tight and tense core, but it is delicious, Cool, minty finish. Drinking Window: 2025-2035. (Feb 2023)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$35 list] The wine's richness is balanced by a fine structure and considerable elegance. The third wine of Château Valandraud is balanced, intense and with great black fruits. Drink from 2025. Alcohol 14%. (Apr 2023)"

92 points James Suckling: "Plums, currants, shiso leaves, licorice and some balsamic on the nose. Chocolate and sweet tobacco, too. Plush, rich and layered, with a full body and velvety tannins. I like the subtle salty undertones to the sweet berry fruit. Delicious already. Drink or hold. (5/14/23)"