2025 Ch Virginie de Valandraud Grand Cru Classé, St-Émilion

DUE NOV 2028

The 35th vintage of this cuvée, the 2025 Virginie De Valandraud now comes from four different parcels of clay and limestone soils, and it has been dramatically reduced in quantity (not quality) to concentrate on a more limestone-driven profile. It has a remarkably pure perfume of black raspberry and blue fruit as well as chalky minerality, liquid violets, graphite, and Asian spices. I love its overall balance, and on the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It has a clear Valandraud-like profile and style, and it's a beautiful wine that's resting in 90% new barrels with 10% in foudre, hitting 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.5.

94-96 points Jeb Dunnuck

93-94 points James Suckling

92-94 points Vinous

95 points Decanter

93 points Jane Anson