2016 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc
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Tasting notes
Starting with the 2016 Viginie de Valandraud Blanc, it’s a beautiful white based on Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Sémillon. Vibrant notes of lime zest, tangerine, damp herbs, and crushed rocks all flow to a medium-bodied, textured, elegant white that has plenty of fruit yet stays crisp, clean, and refreshing. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc has a primal bouquet of lime flower and hints of quince and wax resin. The palate is fresh on the entry, with a fine bead of acidity, and quite saline in the mouth, leading to a precise, detailed, Graves-like finish. Very promising.
A totally Burgundian dry white with a base of chalky minerality behind the creamy lees character, delicate toasty oak, lively acidity and a whole spectrum of fruit aromas, from lemons through pears and peaches to a hint of something tropical. Very long, elegant and refreshing finish. Drink or hold and this should age magnificently.
The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is laced with the essence of orchard fruit, citrus peel, mint and bright floral notes. Nicely textured, with good freshness, the Virginie Blanc is quite pretty in 2016.
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.