2018 Confidence By Valandraud

靈魂 Hook：Right Bank 的力量與優雅並存，一開瓶就有說服力。

為什麼選它？
1) 現代化濃郁風格 -> 果實黑而厚，入口直接但不粗糙，適合想立刻享受的你。
2) 酒莊工藝加持 -> 小批次分槽釀造、經典法國橡木陳年，帶出層次與深度但不浮誇。
3) 配餐彈性高 -> 果實與結構兼備，能駕馭烤肉、燒味甚至重口味中菜。

侍酒師私房筆記：2018 年份的 Confidence by Valandraud 有沉甸甸的黑櫻桃、李子和黑加侖，底層襯著黑巧克力、雪茄盒式的雪松與些許石墨；單寧成熟但有咬感，酸度撐住整體輪廓。建議醒酒一小時讓單寧柔化，之後每一口都會多一點香料和木質細節。

田地與釀造：來自 Saint-Émilion 一帶小塊葡園，土壤以黏土與石灰岩混合為主，朝向排水良好的斜坡。人工採收、嚴格選果後分桶發酵，再以法國橡木桶陳放約一年多（有比例新桶），呈現果實、香料與桶香的平衡。

場景化配餐指南：週末家中烤肋眼、與朋友吃燒味拼盤、或慶祝時配厚切芝士都很合適，香港晚餐聚會能迅速提升氣氛。

降維打擊對比：比起一些掛名更響的大牌波爾多，Confidence by Valandraud 提供等級感與現代風格，但價格更實在且產量有限，適合想找質感又不想花大錢的買家。

Soul Hook: A right-bank powerhouse that balances ripe density with polished structure.

Why choose it?
1) Concentrated, approachable power -> immediate presence in the glass without being harsh; great for those who want depth now.
2) Estate craftsmanship -> small-lot vinification and careful oak élevage give complexity reminiscent of top-tier Saint-Émilion at a more accessible price.
3) Versatile match for food -> bold fruit and firm tannins lift rich Cantonese and Western grilled dishes.

Sommelier's Notes: Confidence by Valandraud 2018 shows dense black fruit—black cherry, ripe plum and cassis—layered with dark chocolate, cedar and a graphite edge. The palate is full-bodied and plush, supported by ripe but firm tannins and balanced acidity; flavours build steadily into a long, spiced finish. Best enjoyed after an hour of decanting to let the textures open.

Occasions & Pairing: Perfect for weekend roast dinners, celebratory beef mains, or pairing with char siu and roast duck at a lively family meal in Hong Kong. Also holds its own with a cheese board for after-dinner conversation.

Competitive Edge: Delivers modern Right Bank concentration and barrel complexity at a more compelling value than many marquee-label Bordeaux—small production, clearly estate-driven, and designed to please both collectors and enthusiastic diners.

Specification

• Alcohol %: 14.5%
• Decant Time: 60-90 minutes
• Taste: black cherry, plum, cassis, dark chocolate, cedar, graphite, baking spice, ripe tannins, silky texture, long finish
• Food Matching: Roast ribeye / charcoal-grilled beef, Cantonese roast duck / char siu, Braised short ribs or beef stew, Mature hard cheeses (Comté, aged cheddar), Mushroom risotto or beef & mushroom dishes
• Grape Variety: Merlot , Cabernet Franc , Cabernet Sauvignon , Malbec ,

Winery

Valandraud 是 Saint-Émilion 的小型精品酒莊，由 Jean-Luc Thunevin 與 Murielle Andraud 打造，以高度整合的田間管理、小批次釀造與有計畫的橡木陳年聞名。葡萄園多為斜坡小地塊，採人工摘選並重視選果，目的是在保持果實純度的同時，帶出酒的結構與陳年潛力。

Château Valandraud is a compact, terroir-focused estate in Saint-Émilion known for its bold, modern right-bank style. Founded and driven by Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud, the estate emphasises meticulous vineyard work, small-lot vinification and careful oak élevage to extract ripe, concentrated wines with clear personality.