2020 Valandraud Virginie De Valandraud
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Ripe, very black fruit and just a light leafiness. Quite hard work on the palate, the tannins to the fore but there’s plenty of fruit. Just enough freshness. A little heavy-handed and oaky on the finish, perhaps, but might work in the longer term. (JH)
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Virginie de Valandraud feels a bit pinched on the nose, without the "flow" of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, an attractive velvety mouthfeel and plenty of depth. It closes with a refined finish. If the nose can gain some complexity, this will be very enticing. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
The 2020 Virginie De Valandraud is another total charmer. Black cherries, redcurrants, loamy soils, and tobacco are just some of its nuances, and it's medium-bodied, soft, and forward on the palate, with terrific fruit. Drink bottles over the coming decade or so.
The 2020 Virginie de Valandraud has enhanced its paradoxical Médoc profile on the nose with tobacco and pencil box infusing the black fruit. This is well-defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied and carries the 100% new oak at the moment, but it is nicely proportioned with an almost caressing finish. Stylish and very cleverly crafted by Jean-Luc Thunevin.
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.