{"product_id":"valandraud-1er-grand-cru-classe-saint-emilion-2018-1","title":"Valandraud 1er Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eValandraud 2018 is a standout Saint-Émilion from one of Bordeaux’s most talked-about modern estates, now recognized at the elite 1er Grand Cru Classé level. Built on precision, richness, and personality, it reflects the estate’s trailblazing spirit while delivering the depth and polish collectors expect from a top-tier right-bank Bordeaux.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, it typically shows a deep ruby color with youthful intensity and a refined, dense core. The nose is expressive and layered, often unfolding with dark cherry, blackberry, plum, violet, graphite, cocoa, and subtle spice notes.\n\nThe palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity, and a velvety texture that carries flavors of black fruit, licorice, mineral lift, and well-integrated oak. The 2018 vintage has the structure and balance to age gracefully for many years, and should develop added complexity with bottle maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValandraud is located on the limestone and clay slopes of Saint-Émilion, where the terroir lends both power and freshness to the wines. The estate is known for meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and careful harvesting by hand, followed by parcel-by-parcel vinification to preserve detail and expression. Aging in oak barrels helps shape the wine’s texture and adds subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eServe at 16–18°C and consider decanting for 1–2 hours if drinking young. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck breast, game, truffle dishes, and rich mushroom-based cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValandraud is one of the emblematic names of Bordeaux’s modern era, founded in the 1990s by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud. What began as a garage-wine success story became a benchmark for quality in Saint-Émilion, earning major recognition and eventual elevation to 1er Grand Cru Classé status. The estate is widely admired for its innovation, consistency, and influence on the region’s contemporary wine style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Valandraud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252481413457,"sku":"MS-79112","price":153.7,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/79112.png?v=1783444827","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/valandraud-1er-grand-cru-classe-saint-emilion-2018-1","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}