2022 Virginie de Valandraud (St-Emilion)

The 2022 Virginie de Valandraud is a very serious wine taken from parcels Jean-Luc Thunevin does not use for his other Saint-Emilions. Deep and explosive, the 2022 offers up copious dark fruit, espresso, licorice, chocolate, incense and spice. This rich, deep red is an absolute winner. 92-94 points

The 2022 Virginie de Valandraud was picked 12-29 September and matured entirely in new oak. This is well-defined on the nose with dark plum, boysenberry jam and light raspberry confit aromas. It feels nicely composed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, saturated tannins. Quite peppery in style, this is well balanced with a liberal sprinkling of cracked black pepper on the finish. It will require 4-5 years to soak up that oak, but it will be worth waiting for. 91-93 points