2022 Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
A blend of 53% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, and 7% Sémillon, the 2022 Château Valandraud Blanc is another sensational white from Thunevin, offering a gorgeous nose of lemon curd, white flowers, chalk, and minty herbs. Medium to full-bodied, with a focused, elegant, and seamless mouthfeel, it has integrated acidity and an undeniable limestone-driven minerality. Aged for 10 months in 80% new oak barrels and 20% clay amphora, this should drink well for 15+ years. Total production: 583 cases.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Valandraud Blanc is quite discrete on the nose with scents of pear, vervain and light beeswax, all of which are well defined but require aeration to hit their stride. The palate is fresh and vibrant on entry, very harmonious with lovely weight as notes of orange rind and peach skin give way to light chamomile on the very satisfying finish. This is a lovely white Valandraud that will age well in bottle (if you can resist temptation).
Excellent quality, delivers length and complexity with an opulent edge that gives estate signature. Baked apple, creamy citrus, fragrant mint leaf, fennel, saffron, white tea and star anise alongside juicy nectarine and peach pit. Athanase Fakorellis wine consultant, Jean-Luc Thunevin owner, 80% new oak for ageing, 20% terracotta jars.
The 2022 Valandraud Blanc is terrific. Dried pear, white flowers, mint and a hint of spice open first. Creamy and resonant on the palate, the Blanc is a gorgeous white for the dinner table. A few years in bottle will allow its textural breadth to emerge more fully. Readers should expect a decidedly rich, heady 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.