Virginie de Valandraud - Château de Valandraud - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe11/30/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Virginie de Valandraud offers gorgeous black cherries, mulberries and black raspberry scents with hints of star anise, violets and cumin seed. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firmly structured with firm, velvety tannins and tons of freshness, lifting the perfumed black fruits to a long finish.

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe5/10/2017

Bettane & Desseauve

90 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Ample et vif, bon tannin.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud is a blend of 15% Cabernet Franc, 75% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and matured in 100% new oak. It has a polished sheen on the nose with succulent small dark cherries, cassis and hints of violet emerging with aeration. The palate is well balanced with crisp tannin, nicely focused and full of tension. There is an almost Médoc-like structure to this Saint Emilion with a long and impressive spicy finish. This Virginie excels in 2016, and it should age with style.

Vinous

90-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud is a striking second wine. Vibrant acids give the flavors pop and aromatic lift, both of which play nicely off the plump fruit. Dark red cherry, plum, rose petal and sweet spices build into the fleshy, voluptuous finish. What a gorgeous wine this is!

Wine Enthusiast

93-95 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. This second wine from first-growth Valandraud is solidly structured and offers swathes of ripe black-plum fruit. It is dense and full in the mouth, with the potential of a wonderfully velvety texture as it ages. Acidity keeps the wine crisp.

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

A ball of warm fig paste and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors forms the core, pushed by lively anise, bramble and black tea notes. Has a noticeable dose of singed mesquite on the finish, giving it a lightly firm twinge, costing it some refinement. But the fruit wins out anyway.—J.M.