2023 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
A rockingly good white, the 2023 Virginie De Valandraud Blanc offers bright lemon, lime, crushed stone, mint, and floral nuances on the nose. Based on 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon that spent nine months in 70% new and once-used barrels, with 30% in concrete tanks, it's medium-bodied and has a focused, pure, precise mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It plays in the fresher end of the ballpark yet is concentrated and textured. Balanced, long, and classy, it will shine for at least 10-12 years. Drink 2026-2038.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is quite deep and layered in feel. Citrus peel, ginger, marzipan, lemon confit and dried herbs all take shape in the glass. Here, too, I am so impressed with the wine's balance.
The 2023 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is matured in 70% new oak and 30% concrete vats. This has a light bouquet with subtle resinous scents, kiwi fruit and gooseberry, gaining personality as it opens and aerates. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, taut and bright with a dab of lemongrass and orange rind that energises the finish. Well worth seeking out.
A blend of 55% Sémillon and 45% Sauvignon Gris, the 2022 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is stunning, with ripe citrus, honeyed flowers, and a kiss of pineapple. Medium-bodied and concentrated, it has a beautifully integrated sense of minerality. Aged for nine months in a mix of used oak barrels and concrete tanks, it’s another beautiful white from this team that should evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. Total production: 500 cases.
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.