The 2020 Valandraud Blanc is a white Bordeaux blend produced by Valandraud in the Saint-Émilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This wine, with an alcohol content of 15.0%, is characterized by its rich and complex profile, drawing high praise from various wine critics.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 94, noting its "dense, complex" nature with aromatic elements of "sliced fennel, grapefruit, clove, burnt vanilla pod, green pineapple, and herbs." He describes it as "medium- to full-bodied, textured and phenolic," with a "slightly bitter herbal and spice character" that he suggests will be even better after 2023 (jamessuckling.com, 1/5/2023).
Decanter also gave it a score of 94, highlighting an array of flavors such as "herbal lemon, caramelised patisserie, baked lemon tart with some apple flecks." The review emphasizes its "unctuous, strong and bold" profile, balanced by a "shot of zesty lemon, lime, orange, and peach" and describes it as "richly layered and powerful but also friendly, generous, and lively" (Decanter, 1/2/2023).
Jeb Dunnuck provided an exceptional review, scoring it 99 points and describing it as "deeper and richer, with incredible aromatics of ripe melon, white fruits, lemon, minty herbs, and chalky minerality." He added that it has an "integrated acidity" and an "almost red wine-like structured mouthfeel," declaring it among "the greatest whites in the vintage" with the potential to evolve for two decades (jebdunnuck.com, 3/29/2023).
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider gave it 95 points, praising its "array of yellow and green apples," complemented by "waxy lemons, honeysuckle, and spice on the nose." He noted the finish as "balancing its creamy texture with bright citrus, juicy apples, and crisp acidity" (TheWineCellarInsider.com, 5/20/2021).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it between 93 and 95 points, describing the wine as having a "gorgeous perfume of orange blossoms, honeycomb, and allspice," with a palate bursting with "layer upon layer of tropical and citrus fruits" and an "epic length and perfume" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 5/20/2021).
Vinous gave the wine a score of 94, specifically noting the prominent use of 60% Sauvignon Gris. The review highlighted its "nicely focused bouquet with apple blossom, lemon verbena, chamomile, and light pear aromas," and a "well-balanced palate with a fine thread of acidity" (Vinous, 2/1/2023).
Lastly, Wine Spectator rated it 92 points, describing it as "juicy and fresh, with lots of deliciously bouncy gooseberry gelée and lemon peel flavors," with notes of "quinine and fleur de sel" on the finish (Wine Spectator, 5/31/2022).
Overall, the 2020 Valandraud Blanc is a highly acclaimed white Bordeaux blend, praised for its complexity, aromatic richness, and balanced acidity, making it a standout wine from the 2020 vintage.