Valandraud 2014 75cl

Produktionsmenge; 24'108 Flaschen. Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Während der andere 2014er Pirat im Glas daneben eher leicht daher kam, merkt man hier im schwarzbeerigen, sehr tiefgründigen Bouquet eine Kampfansage gegen andere Top-Bordeaux’ zu verspüren, Rauch, Mokka, Dörrpflaumen, schwarze Oliven, dunkle Edelhölzer, frisch gehackter schwarze Pfeffer. Also eine tendenziell bullige Nasenladung aufweisend. Im Gaumen zwar massiv und irgendwie mit Marathon-Tanninen ausgestattet, aber ein grosser Ansatz von Charme ist da mit im Arrangement dabei, er bleibt schwarzbeerig, auch im druckvollen Finish. Aufgrund seiner Konstellation runde ich jetzt noch einen Punkt auf. 19/20 warten

Delivers a gorgeous display of fruit, with boysenberry, raspberry and blackberry coulis notes that are fresh and racy, allied to a graphite spine and framed judiciously with a well-singed apple wood accent. This has a lot of coiled-up energy. Best from 2022 through 2035. 2,000 cases made.

Having tasted the 2014 Valandraud blind as part of a complete vertical in December, you may ask what is the point in revisiting it a manner of weeks afterwards? Well, Jean-Luc submitted three or four bottles to subsequent tastings, so I feel that I should honor his participation by saying that these vindicated the showing back in December. There remains that exuberance on the nose with layers of blackberry and blueberry, the palate still sumptuous and stocked, full of dense black cherry and cassis fruit. It could have been pushed too far, but it pulls everything back on the finish to retain the detail and freshness you expect. Tasted February 2017. <br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>93-95<br/>It has been several years since I last tasted the 1985 Vieux Chateau Certan. Back then I remarked that I would not cellar it too long, although this bottle suggests that there is some mileage left yet. Served blind, I remarked that it was a 1985 due to the fragrant perfume on the nose, still almost Burgundy-like, though the presence of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc lent it subtle earthiness. The palate is mellow, fully mature but very harmonious. Whilst it does not have the depth or the flamboyance of the top Pomerols from this vintage, there is a sensuality to this 31-year-old wine and there is beguiling purity on the finish. It is just a joy to drink. Tasted December 2016.