Vinous 91 / 100 the1/31/2016 The 2012 Virginie de Valandraud is a huge step up from the 3 de Valandraud. Dark, sensual and inviting, the 2012 possesses lovely depth in the open-knit, succulent style of the year. Mocha, black cherries, menthol, spices and licorice add the final shades of nuance. This is a gorgeous second wine. It should drink well for a handful of years. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.
Wine Advocate 87 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015 Delicious blackcurrant, black cherry fruit, a dark ruby/purple color and sweet tannin characterize this relatively soft, plump, medium-bodied St.-Emilion. It is in no way comparable to the brilliance and profound quality of its bigger sister, Valandraud, but it is a pleasant wine. Drink it over the next decade.
Jamessuckling.com 88 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015 Intense nose of candied black cherries and plums with violet and earthy notes. Hints of wood. Full body, good acidity, velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. Second wine of Valandraud. Drink in 2017.
Le Figaro 4 / 5 byBernard Burtschythe9/12/2013 Le second vin de Valandraud est un vin léger et élégant, de bonne longueur avec un petit creux certes, mais d'une belle finesse.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 88-91 / 100 byIan D'Agatathe6/30/2013 (70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc): Fully saturated inky ruby; another very dark wine from Thunevin. Delicate black cherry and cassis aromas on the spicy, graphite-infused nose and palate. This nicely balanced wine is much less massive than the Valandraud and will be ready sooner. The long finish features smooth tannins. All of Valandraud's cabernet franc grapes went into this wine in 2012.
timatkin.com 92 / 100 byTim Atkin MWthe6/30/2013 Like Jean-Luc Thunevin’s top wine, Château Valandraud, this gets the 100% new oak treatment, but it’s not a particularly splintery wine. Aromatic, sweet Merlot with savoury, plummy aromas, fresh acidity, ripe tannins and considerable finesse. This is much more approachable than Valandraud itself at present. Drink: 2018-28
Le Point 15 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013 70% merlot, 30% cabernet franc. Fruits noirs, réglisse, violette, bouche bien fruitée, ronde, souple, gourmand, tanins ronds, frais, tendre. O= 2016 G= 10 ans
Wine Advocate 90-92 / 100 byNeal Martinthe5/6/2013 The Virginie has a compact bouquet of intense dark cherries and wild strawberry fruit with fine delineation, although I suspect it will need a couple of years in bottle to come round. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, edgy tannins. There is always a “classic” feel to the Virginie that I really appreciate and there is very fine structure on the finish that is somehow conservative, but very well crafted and unimposing. Very fine. Tasted April 2013.
Wine Spectator 88-91 / 100 byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013 The bright raspberry, cherry and blood orange fruit is laced with a distinct savory note, which emerges on the briary, chewy finish. —J.M.
Jean-Marc QUARIN 15,8 / 20 byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/29/2013 Couleur sombre. Nez discret et fruité. Bouche très agréable, suave, soyeuse, au fruité éclatant, au toucher agréable, à la finale persistante et enrobée. C'est bon et plutôt long.
Jancis Robinson 17 / 20 byJulia Harding MWthe4/26/2013 Drink 2017-2025Dark smudgy crimson, dry and almost austere but really refined in its dry tannin structure. There's tight fruit underneath too. Sophisticated. (JH)
Wine Advocate 88-90 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013 Copious aromas of black cherries and black currants intermixed with hints of loamy earth, Provencal herbs and oak emerge from this nicely textured, medium-weight, elegant St.-Emilion. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years.Drink: 2013 - 2021
The Wine Cellar Insider 89-91 / 100 byJeff Levethe4/26/2013 Oak, vanilla and red with black fruits, round textures, this wine is tannic with some dryness in the finish. 89-91 Pts
My Bettane + Desseauve 16,5 / 20 the4/25/2013 Vin de haut niveau, fruits noirs frais, volume gras, subtil, tannin fin, allonge racée, profond.
Jancis Robinson 16,5 / 20 byJancis Robinsonthe4/16/2013 Drink 2014-201750% is barrel fermented but no new oak. Very pale lemon. Fine ripe citrus with the merest hint of pineapple. Attractive slight grip and freshness. Bright and very fresh. (JH)
Wine Spectator 88-91 / 100 byJames Molesworththe4/5/2013 Creamy and inviting, with meringue, Chartreuse, jasmine and honeysuckle notes mingling through the brioche-tinged finish. —J.M.
Jamessuckling.com 87-88 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013 A wine with good fruit, velvety tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow center palate. But very pretty. Second wine of Valandraud.