Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 1994 Valandraud has a healthy dark garnet core, quite deep considering its age. The bouquet is well defined and fresh with cedar and tobacco-infused black fruit, quite Left Bank (Saint Julien to be precise) in style. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannin than the previous vintage, some red and black fruit remaining, but usurped by tobacco and a light marine-like note. It feels as if it is approaching the end of its drinking plateau, but it has certainly held up extremely well and comes across decidedly classic in style. Like the 1993, how many 1994 Right Banks continue to give pleasure with such generosity? (NM)

Very good deep color. Somewhat sauvage nose hints at fresh blood, iron, toffee and tobacco. Sweet and minerally in the mouth, and very concentrated, but not as dense as the '95. With less baby fat, the tannins come across as quite firm. (ST)

Excellent concentration for the vintage, with seductive aromas and flavors of wild berry, mineral, mint and vanilla. Full-bodied, with fine, silky tannins and a caressing finish. Inviting now, but better in 1999. A rising star in St.-Emilion, and the best wine ever bottled from this estate.