2022 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
A blend of 55% Sémillon and 45% Sauvignon Gris, the 2022 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is stunning, with ripe citrus, honeyed flowers, and a kiss of pineapple. Medium-bodied and concentrated, it has a beautifully integrated sense of minerality. Aged for nine months in a mix of used oak barrels and concrete tanks, it should evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. Total production: 500 cases.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc offers an attractive bouquet with white peach, pear and light rosemary scents that unfurl nicely in the glass. The palate is well balanced, fresh and taut with crisp acidity, cohering into a more textural white Bordeaux with a Pessac-like finish. Drink over the next decade.
Successfully delivers lift and grip, with cloves and star anise, alongside fragrant herbs, citrus peel and a joyful edge. There is some heat on the finish but this is an upgrade from En Primeur. Harvest August 25 to August 15, 50% concrete vats and 50% neutral oak, Athanase Fakorellis wine consultant, Jean-Luc Thunevin owner.
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.