2025 Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2025 Valandraud Blanc was picked between September 4 and 9, with a little more Sauvignon Gris and Semillon this year, and also more aged in terracotta amphorae (30%). This has a complex nose that is engaging, scents of white flowers, yellow plum, almond and light mango. The palate is well balanced, with a keen line of acidity, lightly spiced with a dab of stem ginger, quite linear towards the finish and a twist of lemon rind on the aftertaste, intermixed with lemon thyme. Very fine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A thrilling, world-class white, the 2025 Valandraud Blanc has a vivid gold hue with subtle green highlights as well as an absolutely stunning nose of ripe pear, lime pith, exotic melon, mint, and crushed stone. The grand vin here sees 30% amphora aging (only for the gris) with the rest raised in new oak in a mix of vessels. It's beautifully textured and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a layered, concentrated mouthfeel, bright acidity, and a great finish. It's as good as anything in the vintage.
Honeysuckle, white peaches, lemon rind, pineapples, tangerine, and pears create the aromatic profile. The palate delivers its layers of sweet, citrus, white peaches, and ginger with all their bright, crisp, round characteristics with ease. The wine blends 55% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, and 5% Semillon.
The 2025 Valandraud Blanc is a rare Sauvignon Gris-driven white. Lemon peel, sage, tomato leaf, crushed rocks and slate are all dialed up. The Blanc offers a compelling mix of textural richness and varietal character. Stylistically, it has more tension and energy than the Virginie Blanc.
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.