92 Robert Parker
Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 2007 Valandraud was a big surprise given that this is supposed to be an off-vintage. It has a rounded and opulent bouquet, especially considering the growing season, with quite precocious kirsch, mulberry and cassis scents interlaced with cigar box and smoke aromas. You ask yourself whether there is any Cabernet Franc here and the answer is none - the 2007 is 100% Merlot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, precise and elegant with wild strawberry and raspberry fruit that is seamlessly integrated with the oak. Considering this is a 2007, this is just a beautifully crafted wine that is probably à point, though shows absolutely no sign of any decline. Tasted December 2016.<br/>
17 Rene Gabriel
Mitteldunkles Rubin-Granat, aufhellender Rand. Warmes Bouquet, dunkle Hölzer, Tee, Brombeeren und Lakritze, schönes Spiel zwischen Frucht und Terroir, kalter Schwarztee. Im Gaumen recht füllig, ziemlich fette Tannine die aber schon tolle Rundungen zeigen, Kandissüsse, Kakao und Milchschokolade im tendenziell blaubeerigen Finale. Ein Valandraud mit Charme und mittlerem Potential. Nicht so avangardistisch wie andere Jahrgänge. beginnen (2013 - 2023)
88 Wine Spectator
Displays concentrated aromas of blackberry, mineral and flowers. Medium-bodied, offering good fruit and lots of new wood vanilla character. Slightly austere. Should be nice with a little bottle age. Best after 2012. 1,083 cases made.