2018 Valandraud Blanc
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Very Sauvignon nose. Mouth-filling and clean. Well made even if it’s not the most dramatic dry white bordeaux. No obvious oak but good length. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Valandraud's 2018 Blanc has a subtle, beautifully nuanced nose of Bosc pears, nectarines and lemon tart, plus hints of coriander seed, wet pebbles, honeysuckle and struck flint. The palate is big, rich and full-bodied (15% declared alcohol), featuring a decadently oily texture and plenty of freshness to offset the powerful stone fruit and spiced pears flavors, finishing with a white pepper kick.
The 2018 Valandraud Blanc still needs encouragement on the nose before it unveils its attractive scents of honeysuckle, broom, crushed rock/basalt and just a touch of apricot. The palate is well balanced with a lovely peach-tinged entry. This brims with energy, revealing orange zest and touches of quince toward the very poised finish. Utterly delicious from beginning to end.
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.