Virginie de Valandraud 2023

Dark-fruited profile with subtle roasted notes; shows a silky texture, fine tannins, crisp fruit, and good length. Harmonious.

Enjoyable ripe mulberry aromas and flavours introduce a palate marked by crunchy red fruit and torrefaction, although a bit drying on the finish, making me wonder about the 100% new oak quotient. Harvested from 13 September to 4 October.

Enjoyably textured with brambled berry fruit character. Bright and vivid, fresh fig and orange peel bring focus, with an aniseed bitterness on the finish. Jean-Luc Thunevin owner, harvest from September 13 to October 4, 3.7 pH, 100% new oak for ageing. Made from 15 ha of vines, as 2 ha previously used have now been moved into Valandraud as the vines have aged.

Offers good flesh, with a caressing edge as perfumed black tea and incense notes drape over a core of black cherry and currant preserves. Savory and chalk elements guide the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2034. 3,300 cases made, 300 cases imported.