2014 Virginie de Valandraud
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Virginie de Valandraud has plenty of sappy ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit on the nose, the new oak here is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with blackberry and raspberry laced with cedar and pressed flower scents. I appreciate the focus and backbone of this Saint-Émilion that should age with style. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Neat, lightly charred black fruit on the nose. Very fully evolved on the palate. Relatively low acid and tannin. A please-all now but not for the long term. (JR)
The 2014 Virginie de Valandraud was surprisingly closed when I tasted it, although there is a sense of coiled up energy here, as if to say, come back in a couple of years. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, a keen thread of acidity, surprising backbone and body with a vibrant, mineral-rich finish. This has great potential, but I would be wary of opening it too soon.
A gorgeous second wine, the 2014 Virginie de Valandraud is just as impressive today as it was when I tasted it from barrel. Plump, juicy and generous, the 2014 exudes class. Succulent red cherry, plum, smoke and licorice meld together in this inviting, succulent wine.
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.