Virginie de Valandraud 2022

Plenty of dark cherry fruit, cherry blossom, pronounced roasted notes; compact palate, ripe-fruited, ultra-fine tannins, well judged, 100% new oak perfectly integrated, already very approachable, with balance, density and length. Will be enjoyable early, can age.

Caressing and forward in feel, this offers a warm ganache note draped over a core of plum and black cherry preserve flavors, with a subtle tug of earth at the tail end. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2032. 6,000 cases made.

Ripe and concentrated but perfectly mature grapes with plenty of tangy acidity. I like this; it’s joyous and lifted, with gorgeous crushed-stone aspects to the tannins that leave a chalkiness on the finish. Strong yet sleek, with plum, baked blackcurrant and strawberry. Very delicious.

The 2022 Virginie de Valandraud is a dense wine. Blackberry, espresso, licorice, chocolate and sweet spice are all dialed up to the maximum. The intense heat of the growing season is evident in the wine's flavor profile and structural feel. The Virginie is rich, flashy, brash and assertive, like a misbehaved child.

Licorice, smoke, black cherries, and blackberries create an enticing aroma. The palate surpasses expectations with its layers of rich fruits complemented by hints of chocolate and espresso. There's a lovely depth of fruit here, featuring a persistent salty note that lingers at the finish. The wine blends 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2042.

Based on 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Virginie De Valandraud is a smoking good wine, offering layers of blackberries, currants, tobacco, and chocolate. Full-bodied and rich, it has a deep, velvety texture, terrific overall balance, and serious depth. Vinified and aged 20 months in new barrels, it will evolve nicely for 15+ years with ease.

Brilliant quality Virginie, with so much grain and depth, this is one to recommend. Black cherry, saffron, white pepper, sage, mint leaf, espresso, opulent yet threaded with fresh juice. Harvest from 12 to 29 September.

A sparkling nose of ripe strawberries and cherries, highlighted by a touch of blackberry juice. The palate is pure and airy, yet full and rounded. A spherical wine, of great purity, highly drinkable, stretching into a most indulgent finish.

The charm of the bouquet embodies a symbiosis of fresh wood, chocolate, ripe black berries and licorice. On the palate, the wine is silky, elegant, creamy, caressing and, of course, inviting. Its tannins work behind the scenes, subtly. They lend power and energy, together with a fine austerity that delivers a saline touch on the finish. A charming, elegant, captivating wine that leaves you wanting more. Pure delight!

Dark, intense color. Highly aromatic nose with subtle yet even vibrant fruit. Precise on entry, perfumed mid-palate; the wine melts on the palate—juicy and flavorful—before bouncing back on the finish. It ends long, broad, and very good, with flavors of black and red fruits and a hint of citrus. Blend: 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol: 14.5% – pH: 3.7.