Tasted blind at the Valandraud vertical at the property, the 1992 Valandraud has an upfront bouquet with slightly volatile red berry fruit, cola peppermint and sage. As that tang of camphor opens, I discerned something Australian about this wine. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, slightly smudged entry. There is not heaviness here, in fact, quite light on its toes with good acidity, savory/meaty fruit with a slightly leafy, autumnal finish. Very fine for a 1992, this will not improve further, but bottles with sound provenance are still giving pleasure. Tasted December 2016.

This tiny estate, dedicated to becoming the "Le Pin of St.-Emilion," has turned out a strong effort in 1992. The Valandraud wines, all handcrafted and bottled unfiltered, will be difficult to find, but given what they have produced in 1992 and 1993, one can imagine what heights Valandraud might achieve in Bordeaux's next exceptional vintage. The 1992 reveals a saturated, opaque dark ruby/purple color, and a rich nose of sweet oak backed by gobs of jammy blackcurrants and cherries. The wine possesses excellent richness, medium to full body, surprising opulence and chewiness (a rarity in the 1992 vintage), and a long, lusty, low acid, concentrated finish. It should drink well for 7-10 years. Bravo!