2015 Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Valandraud Blanc has a light, fresh gooseberry and apple blossom bouquet that is discreet at first but gains intensity with aeration. The palate is fresh on the entry, revealing hints of marzipan and pralines and a fine bead of acidity; a tang of ginger appears on the finish. Fine, but maybe one to broach in its youth. It showed better out of barrel, to be honest. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Tim Atkin MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Neat but subdued nose. Lively and punchy, without enormous weight but very fresh and lively in a confident style. Not that long but there’s an attractive honeyed element. (JR)
The 2015 Valandraud Blanc is laced with hints of apricot pit, orchard fruit, mint, lemon confit, chamomile and sweet spices. Fermentation in barrel and lees stirring during élevage give the wine its signature textural richness and body. Unctuous and inviting, the Valandraud Blanc hits all the right notes. This is very nicely done.
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.