Château Valandraud is an unclassified Bordeaux in the Saint-Emilion appellation and it is considered one of the original “vins de garage.” Unlike most historic estates in Bordeaux, Valandraud is a relatively young estate, having been founded in 1989 by Jean-Luc Thunevin and his wife Mureille Andraud. The couple started with a tiny 1.5 acre plot and have since added more vineyards for a total of 11 acres, which means it still remains extremely small by regional standards. In wine world jargon Valandraud is known as a “microchateau” or “garagiste” producer. Valandraud’s first release was 1991. Its Grand Vin is typically a blend of 65% Merlot 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. Up to 20,000 bottles are produced annually. A former wine merchant and restaurateur, Thunevin has been called “highly talented” by Robert M. Parker Jr., who applauds Valandraud as “enormously rich, concentrated, and beautifully well delineated.”