Virginie de Valandraud - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe8/13/2020

The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud is well defined and focused on the nose of blackberry, raspberry, crushed stone and rose petal aromas that burst from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very poised and harmonious, and supremely well-assimilated oak toward the poised, persistent finish. Superb. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Jancis Robinson

15,5

byJancis Robinsonthe2/5/2020

Yvesbeck.wine

92

byYves Beckthe3/20/2019

Poupre violacé. Bouquet intense, complexe, aux notes fruitées et rafraîchissantes. Notes de mûres et de myrtilles. Caractère friand et compact en bouche. Quelle belle énergie et quelle fraîcheur. Le vin allie parfaitement le côté doux avec la structure et il en résulte un bel équilibre. Un vin juteux, fruité, aux tannins denses, en symbiose avec la vivacité de la structure. Belle réussite. 2022-2031 92/100

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/1/2019

Always seen as a second wine, but actually coming from separate terroirs from the grand vin, the 2016 Virginie de Valandraud is a deep, full-bodied, opulent beauty that knocks it out of the park in 2016. It’s the equivalent of many a top wine and has huge notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, spicy oak, and licorice. With ripe tannins, a great texture, and a sexy, pleasure-bent style that’s already impossible to resist, drink it over the coming 10-15 years.

Wine Spectator

91

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

Very stylish, offering warmed raspberry and blackberry confiture notes infused with anise and black tea accents, all flowing nicely through the gently toasty finish. Drink now through 2030. 6,250 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/4/2019

This is ripe and attractive with beautiful plum and dark-berry aromas that follow through to a full body, firm and medium, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Also slightly chewy at the end. Needs four to five years to soften. Try after 2023.

Vinous

92

byNeal Martinthe1/24/2019

The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud has a well-defined bouquet featuring a mixture of red and black fruit tinged with pressed iris flowers and showing commendable mineralité. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and plenty of tarry black fruit tinged with white pepper. The intense but focused finish bodes well for the future. Excellent.

Vinous

93

byAntonio Gallonithe1/21/2019

The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud is a very serious second wine. Beautifully layered and expressive, the 2016 has so much to offer. Sweet tobacco, licorice, spice and pine give the 2016 lovely aromatic top notes to play off the sumptuous fruit. The 2016 Virg just as impressive as it was from barrel, maybe more!

Wine Advocate

92

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.