2015 Virginie de Valandraud, St-Emilion
The 2015 Virginie de Valandraud is matured in 100% new oak, according to Jean-Luc Thunevin. It has an intense, quite powerful bouquet with red cherries intermingling with blueberry and candied orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a "juicy" Virginie with plenty of puppy fat, but the oak feels nicely integrated and does not obscure its personality on the silky, sensual finish. Perhaps on reflection, I would have liked, say 80% new oak instead of 100%, but why let figures get in the way of this Saint Émilion that should be enjoyed over the next decade.
90-92 points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate