This splendid Valandraud ranks with the finest wines proprietor Jean-Luc Thunevin has produced since his debut 1991 vintage. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color, and a sensational nose of roasted herbs, black fruits (cherries, currants, and blackberries), and high class toasty oak (the latter component is more of a nuance than a dominant characteristic). Very concentrated, with layers of fruit, glycerin, and extract, yet seamlessly constructed, this wine contains the stuff of greatness, and appears to be the finest Valandraud yet produced. The finish lasts for over 30 seconds. The wine's high tannin is barely noticeable because of the ripeness and richness of fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020.

Dark ruby color, with intense aroma of dark chocolate, blackberries and vanilla. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, delicious finish. Wonderful now but will improve with age. I have always like this wine. It was the beginning of serious winemaking here.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 950 cases made. -JS