Critic ratings
robert_parker
2021
Rating:
89
–91
The 2021 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc exhibits aromas of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers and pastry cream, followed by a medium-bodied, lively and nicely balanced palate. Since Sémillon suffered this year, Sauvignon Blanc, for once, predominates in the blend.
robert_parker
2020
Rating:
89
–91
The 2020 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of green guava, passion fruit and ripe pears, plus hints of coriander seed, lemongrass and wet pebbles. The medium-bodied palate has impressive purity and intensity, delivering a racy backbone to offset the tropical fruit flavors, finishing long and lively.
robert_parker
2019
Rating:
89
–91
The 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notes of white peaches, fresh grapefruit and lime leaves plus hints of yuzu, chalk dust and lemon drops. The medium-bodied palate is crisp, clean and purely fruited with bags of fresh lemons and stone fruit flavors with a zesty finish.
robert_parker
2019
Rating:
91
–91
Notes of sweet orchard fruit, lemongrass, confit citrus and new oak introduce the 2019 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc, a medium to full-bodied, richly layered wine that remains bright and precise, concluding with a chalky finish.
robert_parker
2018
Rating:
90
–92
The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc slips out of the glass with softly spoken notes of lemongrass, lime cordial and chalk dust giving way to a core of fresh pineapple and green mango with a waft of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate gives bags of citrus and tropical fruit and a racy line lifting the long finish.
robert_parker
2018
Rating:
91
–91
The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc opens with invigorating notes of freshly squeezed lemons, grapefruit and Granny Smith apples plus hints of struck flint and wet slate. The medium-bodied palate delivers a crisp line of freshness cutting through the clean citrus flavors, finishing on a chalky note.
robert_parker
2014
Rating:
85
–87
The Virginie de Valandraud Blanc 2014 has an appealing bouquet with lime, apricot blossom and citrus notes all well defined. The palate is fresh on the entry with crisp acidity, quite sharp in the mouth with a slightly shrill finish that needs to shave off its sharp edges by the time of bottling.
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
90
–92
Far more interesting is the more honeyed, hazelnut and orange-scented and flavored 2012 Virginie de Valandraud. It cuts a bigger swath across the palate and reveals more depth and richness. Enjoy both wines over the next 5-6 years.
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
88
–90
The Virginie de Valandraud Blanc is a blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc. It has a light bouquet of lime, green apple and a touch of peach that displays nice lift and control. The palate is crisp with a spicy opening, hints of lemongrass here with a very fresh, vibrant finish with gooseberry and citrus peel. Very fine. Tasted April 2013.