Château Valandraud Blanc 2025

Round and alive in the mouth, glossy, rich but really kept in check with a citrus tangy acidity. Subtle wood in the background has more of a creamy touch than a smokey spiced aspect. A very nice Valandraud Blanc this year – there’s an element of purity and delicacy still with ripe peach, crisp apple, buttery pineapple and some mango too. I love it. Ending salty and mineral as well. Lots going on here, really a great construction and an exciting wine to follow as it was before. 17% Sémillon in the blend – twice as much as usual. Drinking window: 2028-2040. (Georgina Hindle,decanter.com)