19 Rene Gabriel
12: Extrem dunkel, im satten Rot immer noch schwarze Reflexe. Die Nase beginnt fast vulgär mit viel Mocca, Pflaumen, dunklem Nussmehl, schwarzen Oliven und rauchigen Konturen. Im Gaumen mächtig, mit einer gesunden Arroganz, noch adstringierend und im Finale lässt er nochmals noch so richtig die gerbigen Muskeln spielen. In der Fruchtphase lag er oft bei 20/20. Jetzt scheint er in einer Zwischenphase zu sein. Für ein Saint-Emilion-Rodeo reicht es allemal noch. trinken (2009 - 2028)
95 Robert Parker
Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 1995 Valandraud has a forward, fruit-driven, hedonistic bouquet with copious scents of kirsch, red plum, orange peel and blueberry with a smudge of alcohol just blurring the lines. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded and supple red fruit, nicely balanced and demonstrating more precision than the aromatics, finally reining in everything. The finish is clean and focused, quite powerful and with very good persistence, that edginess just beckoning you back for another sip. This has long been an excellent Valandraud from Jean-Luc and it will easily offer another 10-15 years of drinking pleasure. While the previous three vintages of Valandraud all punched above their weight, the 1995 is clearly a step up in quality. Tasted December 2016.<br/>
93 Wine Spectator
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