1996 Chateau Valandraud - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (6/8/2006)

This was poured at a tasting at Sams tasting yesterday. They were selling it for $550 which seemed ridiculous. This wine has not received the big scores you would expect from a wine in that range (low 90's from Parker and Tanzer I think). I found this wine to be very unimpressive at this stage in its development. The pourer refused to pour this into my glass which had been used to try other red wines until he rinsed it out (I suppose I appreciate that). It had a little bricking in the color. Not overly tannic and most of the fruit was in the background. Medium bodied with a stewed character to it. Rustic finish. 88+ points.

VM