The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Bordeaux Blend is a red wine produced by Virginie de Valandraud in the Saint-Emilion region of Bordeaux, France. This wine features a cork closure and has garnered significant attention from wine reviewers.

James Suckling awarded the wine a score of 94 points, noting its "aromas of dark berries, dried violets, toasted hazelnuts, dark chocolate and coffee." He describes it as "full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins," and highlights its "muscular and intense" character. Suckling suggests that the wine is still tight and recommends trying it from 2026 (jamessuckling.com).

Decanter also rated the wine highly with 93 points, praising it as "sinewy but with salinity and plush red and black fruits." The review emphasizes a "mouthwatering finale" and deems it "a beautiful Virginie de Valandraud, the best that I have tasted to date." Decanter's review highlights the estate's expansion to 40 hectares, incorporating an extra 10 hectares in St Etienne de Lisse, which contributes to this second wine (decanter.com).

Jeb Dunnuck echoed the praise with another 93 points, describing the wine as having "loads of cassis, chalky minerality, flowers, and lead pencil notes." He notes its "layered, seamless texture, silky tannins, and a great finish," and mentions that it shows "more tobacco and even a hint of white truffle with time in the glass." Dunnuck predicts the wine will keep for 10-15 years (jebdunnuck.com).

Jeff Leve gave the wine 91 points, highlighting its "smoky with licorice and espresso overtones" and "medium-bodied, soft, silky, fresh" profile. He mentions that it will be "perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to mature," suggesting that it can be drunk young and enjoyed over its first decade of life (TheWineCellarInsider.com).

Lastly, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate provided a score of 93+ points. Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes the wine as "deep garnet-purple colored" with "powerful scents of stewed black plums, Black Forest cake and blueberry preserves." She notes its "big, rich, full-bodied palate" and firm, grainy texture. Perrotti-Brown suggests giving it another 3-4 years for the oak to integrate and the fruit to fully emerge, with a drinking window of the next 15+ years (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).

In summary, the 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Bordeaux Blend is a well-regarded wine with high scores from multiple reviewers. It is noted for its complex aromas, full-bodied palate, and potential for aging.