2021 Virginie de Valandraud (St-Emilion)

Including parcels that Thunevin is including in his dossier in the upcoming Saint-Émilion classification, the 2021 Virginie de Valandraud exhibits aromas of raspberries, cherries, licorice, violets and plums. Medium-bodied, supple and charming, it`s giving and delicate, concluding with a nicely defined finish. 89-91 points

The 2021 Virginie de Valandraud was picked October 3–14 and raised for 18–22 months in new oak. It has a focused bouquet of dark plum, pencil box and light earthy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, moderate depth, and more red fruit surfacing toward the finish, which has an appealing fleshiness. Fine, and probably earlier-drinking than previous vintages. 89-91 points

The 2021 Virginie de Valandraud is a gorgeous second wine. Silky, aromatic and gracious, the Virginie is all charm. Crushed flowers, spice, mint and orange zest lift a core of sweet red berry fruit in a mid-weight Saint-Émilion that will drink beautifully with minimal cellaring. The 2021 is just exquisite. 90-92 points

On clay limestone soils and this goes fairly long on the austerity, certainly for a 2nd wine, showing itself to be a serious 2021, not as generous as over the past few vintages, but with plenty of flavour to the fresh black fruits here that slowly unwinds out of the glass. Harvest October 3 to 14, 3.6ph, 100% new oak. 89 points