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.

The 2023 Virginie de Valandraud has a well-defined bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit laced with violet and incense. Very nicely controlled and the 100% new oak is deftly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and perhaps here that élevage entirely in new wood just imparts a little too much in the way of wood tannins. In some ways, it is an old-fashioned style of Saint-Émilion that you found more commonly 20 years ago, although it is smooth and well-made for that style.

A rocking effort, the 2023 Virginie De Valandraud offers ripe cassis, spicy oak, graphite, and floral nuances. It's very much in the ripe, sexy, flawlessly made style of this estate and has medium to full-bodied richness, a ripe, round, voluptuous mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and a great finish. Based on 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 18 months in 100% new oak barrels, it will keep for two decades. Drink 2026-2045.

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.

It is worth reiterating, for the record, that Virginie de Valandraud is not Valandraud’s second wine. It is a distinct estate in its own right, with specific terroirs and a style all its own. Chalky nuances and notes of peony highlight its freshness, while aromas of ripe black berries underscore a more mature side. Dense on the attack, the wine is driven by compact, silky tannins that provide energy and structure. The result is a harmonious, elegant, inviting wine, ready to be enjoyed… tomorrow and the day after.

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.

Deep red colour. Intense, subtle nose. A hint of ripe fruit. Southern nuances emerge as the glass is swirled. Juicy on the attack, creamy and aromatic on the mid-palate, with a touch of astringency as it develops; the wine finishes long and slightly oaked. Wait for it to mellow.

Soft, supple, refined, and creamy, this elegant, junior version of Valandraud delivers the goods. The wine is already serving up its wealth of fresh, ripe, and sweet red fruits that are accompanied by a refreshing sprig of mint in the endnote. Drink from 2027-2042.