Thursday, February 27, 2014

Neal Martin and the 2010s

Neal Martin has just published his ratings and comments on the 2010s on the Wine Advocate's website. Concerning Saint-Emilion:

..."Saint Emilion might be slightly over-shadowed by the peaks of Pomerol, but the appellation conjured outstanding wines in 2010. What I find fascinating in conducting a blind tasting is to contrast the performance of the newcomers, the garagistes (such a quaint term nowadays) compared to its long-term residents. So whilst Pierre Lurton hit the ball out of the park with a sensational Château Cheval Blanc, so did Jean-Luc Thunevin with a sublime Château Valandraud.
Modern vs. traditional.
Who cares? They are both just great wines.".....
 
"2010 Château Valandraud 96
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Jean-Luc Thunevin has hit the ball out of the park with the 2010 Valandraud. It has an alluring, beautifully defined bouquet with mineral rich black and red fruit,: great tension, poise and focus. The palate is well balanced and succulent in the mouth with extremely well judged acidity. Somehow understated at first, but complex and sophisticated, the Valandraud is beautifully focused with a long tender finish with perfect equilibrium between dryness and sweetness. Tasted January 2014."
 
 
Merci ! :)

No comments: