The 2019 Virginie de Valandraud is a Bordeaux blend from the renowned Saint-Émilion region in France. With an alcohol content of 14.5%, this wine is predominantly Merlot, complemented by approximately 20% Cabernet Franc. It is the second wine of Valandraud, produced by the Thunevin team.
Jeb Dunnuck awards this vintage a remarkable 95 points, highlighting it as the finest he has tasted, even surpassing the 2015, 2016, and 2018 vintages. He praises its "deep purple hue" and "brilliant nose of spiced currants, black cherries, new saddle leather," emphasizing its "flawlessly balanced" palate and the promise of "drinking brilliantly for 20 years or more."
Wine Enthusiast also gives it a high score of 95 points, noting its serious structure and richness. Roger Voss describes the wine as "packed with black fruits" and having a "texture full in feel, with chocolate flavors balanced by succulent acidity," recommending it for medium-term aging.
James Suckling rates the wine at 94 points, appreciating the "blackberry, chocolate, and hazelnut" notes, with a "medium body" and "integrated tannins." He notes the wine's tight finish, suggesting further development with age.
Vinous, through Antonio Galloni, also awards it 94 points, describing it as "wonderfully deep and super-expressive" with flavors of "red plum, raspberry jam, espresso, crushed rocks, rose petal, lavender, and tobacco."
Decanter, Jeff Leve, and Jane Anson each rate the wine at 92 points, acknowledging its richness, complexity, and potential for aging. Anson highlights its "powerful black fruits" and "ambitious" nature, while Decanter notes its "stony minerality" and "fine tannins."
Overall, the 2019 Virginie de Valandraud is a richly textured, complex Bordeaux blend with significant aging potential, highly praised across the board for its depth and balance.