Château Valandraud
Associated with beginning the garagiste movement, it was an act of necessity that led Jean-Luc and Murielle Thunevin to make their now revered St-Emilion from what was essentially a large workshop. A workshop that is still used today and is kitted out with state-of-the art winemaking technology. Releasing their first vintage in 1991, at prices that rivalled the First Growths, was the publicity the Thunevins needed to launch their incredible wine and its reputation has continued to soar. Today their 8.8 hectare estate is split throughout St-Emilion, though the first parcel of vines they bought was just 0.6 hectares in size and situated close to Pavie-Macquin. Their wine has achieved critical acclaim from influential critics like Robert Parker, who scored the 1995 vintage higher than Pétrus and labelled Jean-Luc the ‘Bad Boy of Bordeaux.’ His reputation to push boundaries and experiment with his wines, together with consultant Michel Rolland, led to the creation of a second wine and helped to further bolster his reputation. However, their conscientious and hands-on winemaking continues to day, with the hand-harvesting in their vineyards, careful selection and ageing in 100% new oak barrels.
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