Four from Jean-Luc Thunevin, 2008
Without doubt many will need no introduction to Jean-Luc Thunevin. His fame comes from his venture at Château Valandraud, a St Emilion property which he propelled into stardom starting with the 1991 vintage, not the most auspicious of Bordeaux vintages, to say the least. Perhaps inspired by a tasting of Le Pin, his work at Valandraud, which is named for the Vale – or val – of Fongeban and his wife, Murielle Andraud, has in turn inspired many others.
It was a brave move for the couple; having already established themselves as successful wine merchants, they were eager to own their own vineyards, and make their own wine. Step by step they acquired several parcels of vines in the St Emilion appellation. What they created was the archetypal vin de garage, the father of all those – Le Dôme, La Gomerie, Gracia and many more – that came afterwards.
Today Thunevin continues to be involved with a wide range of châteaux and their wines, and he also runs a fascinating blog providing a unique insight into the world of a Bordeaux viticulteur, merchant and négociant. In February this year I had the opportunity to taste four wines from the Thunevin portfolio, including the 1999 vintage of Château Valandraud, and these notes are presented below. (24/7/08)
