Virginie de Valandraud 2016

"Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Virginie de Valandraud offers gorgeous black cherries, mulberries and black raspberry scents with hints of star anise, violets and cumin seed. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firmly structured with firm, velvety tannins and tons of freshness, lifting the perfumed black fruits to a long finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, Ratings: 92, Drink: 2020-2032

"The 2016 Virginie de Valandraud is a blend of 15% Cabernet Franc, 75% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and matured in 100% new oak. It has a polished sheen on the nose with succulent small dark cherries, cassis and hints of violet emerging with aeration. The palate is well balanced with crisp tannin, nicely focused and full of tension. There is an almost Médoc-like structure to this Saint Emilion with a long and impressive spicy finish. This Virginie excels in 2016, and it should age with style." - Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate, Ratings: 91-93, Drink: 2022-2040