Chateau Valandraud - Virginie de Valandraud 2021

JEB DUNNUCK: "Another wine from Château Valandraud, the 2021 Virginie De Valandraud is mostly Merlot yet includes 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and comes from a selection of multiple terroirs, so it's not truly a second wine. It has wonderful cherry jam, chocolate, leafy tobacco, and violet notes to go with a richly textured, medium-bodied style on the palate. As with all Valandraud 2021s, it has wonderful purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and outstanding length."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A medium-to full-bodied red with a plush, ripe yet very balanced core of blue and purple fruit. Nicely textured with fine, creamy tannins. Round and smooth."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium-bodied, soft, silky and sweet and polished with a core of plummy, dark cherry fruits, chocolate and licorice, along with a minty edge. You can enjoy this early, or age it as well. You can drink this young, or age it for 3-5 years and enjoy it over the following decade. The wine blends 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2023-2036."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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."