3 de Valandraud St Emilion Grand Cru 2017

3 de Valandraud Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2017 – Kosher

3 de Valandraud is produced by Château Valandraud, the celebrated Saint-Émilion estate founded by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud. Despite its name, 3 de Valandraud is effectively the second wine of Château Valandraud, offering much of the estate's modern, fruit-driven Right Bank character in a more approachable style.

The 2017 is a Merlot-dominant Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, showing ripe black cherry and plum alongside darker berry fruit, spice and subtle oak. The palate is supple and medium-bodied, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and enough structure to give the wine balance and persistence. With several years of bottle age now behind it, the fruit and oak have begun to integrate nicely, making this a Bordeaux that can be enjoyed now rather than requiring extended cellaring.

Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2017 90 points, highlighting its juicy black fruit, spice, acidity and soft tannins. The combination of mature Saint-Émilion character, the pedigree of Château Valandraud and kosher production makes this an attractive introduction to one of the Right Bank's best-known modern estates.

Characteristics

Producer: Château Valandraud
Wine: 3 de Valandraud
Vintage: 2017
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux – Right Bank
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Type: Dry Red Bordeaux
Primary Grape: Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Kosher: Yes
Mevushal: Yes
Critical Score: 90 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Drinking Window: Drinking well now; medium-term cellaring