The wine made by Jean-Luc Thunevin, the original garage wine. Now a proper estate, with a chateau, it still follows the big, fruity model, but without the extraction of the past. Very fruity, it is also very approachable.

Shows loads of coffee and berry on the nose. Full-bodied, with soft, clean tannins. Round and wonderfully textured. Very clean and well-made. Valandraud is modern and refined. Best after 2013. 1,000 cases made.

Notes of graphite, licorice, espresso roast, chocolate, and black currant liqueur jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, with a layered texture, superb purity, and depth, this is always an over-achieving estate, and obviously the flagship wine of Jean-Luc Thunevin and his partner Murielle. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026.