2012 Virginie de Valandraud
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Very sweet start and then taut and a bit fruitless on the palate. Drying. (JR)
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Virginie de Valandraud is a huge step up from the 3 de Valandraud. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2012 possesses lovely depth in the open-knit, succulent style of the year. Mocha, black cherries, menthol, spices and licorice add the final shades of nuance. This is a gorgeous second wine. It should drink well for a handful of years. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.
Delicious blackcurrant, black cherry fruit, a dark ruby/purple color and sweet tannin characterize this relatively soft, plump, medium-bodied St.-Emilion. It is in no way comparable to the brilliance and profound quality of its bigger sister, Valandraud, but it is a pleasant wine. Drink it over the next decade.
Dark smudgy crimson, dry and almost austere but really refined in its dry tannin structure. There's tight fruit underneath too. Sophisticated. (JH)
About the producer
One of the first garage wines, Ch. Valandraud was created by Jean-Luc Thunevin – Saint-Emilion’s “bad boy”. Today the style of the wine is much more restrained, and officially classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate.