Valandraud Blanc

2020

Wine Advocate 93-95: The 2020 Valandraud Blanc opens with the most gorgeous perfume of orange blossoms, honeycomb and allspice, leading to a core of pink grapefruit, lemon tart and lime cordial, with a waft of aniseed. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with layer upon layer of tropical and citrus fruits, supported by a crisp backbone and satiny texture, finishing with epic length and perfume. Stunning.

James Suckling 94: Dense, complex white with sliced fennel, grapefruit, clove, burnt vanilla pod, green pineapple and herbs on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, textured and phenolic, with slightly bitter herbal and spice character. Better after 2023.

Vinous 92: The 2020 Valandraud Blanc is delineated and focused on the nose, revealing orange blossom and more pronounced tropical and candy floss scents as it unfolds in the glass. The oak is nicely integrated, and the palate is well balanced with an almost viscous entry. Richer in style, it’s maybe a little cloying toward the finish, but that’s redeemed by its seductive creaminess. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Decanter 94: Herbal lemon, caramelised patisserie, baked lemon tart with some apple flecks. Round, unctuous, strong and bold, but clean and clear with a honeyed, caramel pastry tang on the palate balanced by a shot of zesty lemon, lime, orange and peach - the citrus fruits holding the backbone with high acidity and freshness. Richly layered and powerful but also friendly, generous and lively. It’s serious but with elements of fun!

Wine Enthusiast 90: This is a powerfully rich wine, with ripe citrus and yellow fruit flavors. Acidity is balanced by the dense texture and spicy undercurrent. Drink from 2024.