2025 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2025 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is a blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, the inverse of last year, aged in 75% new oak and the newly introduced 25% in terracotta jars. It has a slightly reserved nose that opens with lime flower, chamomile and yellow flowers. It just needs a little coaxing. The palate is well balanced with fine balance, lovely texture thanks to the Semillon and a dab of ginger towards the finish. Very fine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ripe melon, mint, white flowers, honeyed minerality, and a kiss of spice all define the 2025 Virginie De Valandraud Blanc, a blend that includes a touch more Sémillon than usual. (2025 was a great year for the variety.) It's medium-bodied on the palate, with a rich, layered mouthfeel, beautifully integrated acidity, and a great finish.
The 2025 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is ample, creamy and super expressive right out of the gate. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and apricot fill out the layers. There's gorgeous textural depth and resonance here, a result of the warm, dry year and the heavy presence of Sémillon in the blend.
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.