Neil Martin of Vinous proclaimed this 1998 the best Valandraud ever. According to Robert Parker: "Proprietor Jean-Luc Thunevin deserves credit for serving as an inspiration for other St.-Emilion producers. The success he has enjoyed with Valandraud has undoubtedly fueled many of the qualitative efforts going on elsewhere. The opaque ruby/purple-colored 1998 Valandraud offers a gorgeous nose of black cherries, earth, and vanillin. It is supple, velvety-textured, and voluptuous, with high, but sweet tannin. As the 1998 sits in the mouth, flavors of dried herbs, new saddle leather, and meat emerge. This rich, beautifully-textured, long, concentrated wine is a top-notch effort."