2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc opens with invigorating notes of freshly squeezed lemons, grapefruit and Granny Smith apples plus hints of struck flint and wet slate. The medium-bodied palate delivers a crisp line of freshness cutting through the clean citrus flavors, finishing on a chalky note.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc retains its attractiveness on the nose, displaying less of the dried honey element but retaining those chalky notes with touches of yellow plum and honeysuckle. The palate is fresh with fine acidity, good balance, and fleeting apricot and nectarine notes toward the citric finish. Just a delicious dry white from Jean-Luc Thunevin.
Based on 50% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, and 10% Sauvignon Gris, the 2018 Château Valandraud Virginie De Valandraud Blanc is another fresh, racy, yet concentrated white from this estate. Honeyed lemon, melon ball, sappy herbs, and floral notes all emerge from the glass, and it's nicely textured, medium-bodied, and beautifully balanced. I don't think it's going to live as long as the Valandraud Blanc, but it should keep nicely for 4-6 years, if you're so inclined.
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.