The 2015 Virginie De Valandraud is a gem made from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new barrels. This beauty is loaded with notions of ripe black raspberries, cassis, and toasty oak, and hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, sweet tannin, and a great finish. It’s not the most intellectual wine, yet ticks all the right hedonistic pleasure boxes and is perfect for drinking over the coming 10-15 years.

The second wine of Château Valandraud, this is rich, spicy with great fruit and firm tannins. The wood aging is still showing but it will soon integrate better with the ripeness of the rich fruit. This wine has weight, plenty of black fruit and acidity. Drink from 2022.

91+ Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Virginie de Valandraud offers up red cherries and mulberries on the nose with florals and earth hints plus a touch of cinnamon. The medium to full-bodied palate is velvety and seductive with lovely expression and depth, finishing perfumed. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown