Château Valandraud St Emilion Grand Cru Premier Grand Cru Classé B 2021

One of my highest scores for a red wine En Primeur, and it continues to be extremely successful, with a richness and concentration to the fruit that makes it stand out. The oak smokiness is evident, but with enough balance that it will clearly soften and integrate over the next five to six years, and the slate and crushed rock texture of the palate gives grip and length. Even a touch of creaminess to the blackberry and blueberry fruits as it opens. 100% new oak (my earlier EP note read: This is a vintage where you need the warm hug of a softly smoked oak barrel, and Thunevin knows how to administer it). 29hl/h yield, 3.5ph. Tasted twice.