2022, Château Dalem, FRONSAC AOC

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (1%)

Top value buy.

Dalem estate is a very old Fronsac property dating back to 1610. Purchased by Michel Rullier in 1955 and is managed today by Brigitte Rullier-Loussert. 90% Melot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec.

The 2022 Dalem is a gorgeous, sensual wine. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice abound in a Fronsac that impresses with its energy and nuance. Dalem is once again terrific in 2022. 91-93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Bright and lively, a little raw and high toned but settles with a mineral grip to the fine tannins and lots of cool blueberry fruit and chalky, stone touches. Lively, succulent and fun, a little tense and straight still, not yet widening, but this has purity and definition and will be easy to drink. 92 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Powerful, plenty of tannins, with dark chocolate character, fig, blackberry, cassis, cocoa bean, liqourice. A good quality wine. 92 Jane Anson.

The 2022 Dalem seems just a little overripe on the nose with touches of tinned prune commingling with the black plummy fruit. The palate is ripe and precocious with decadent black cherry and cassis fruit. A licorice touch emerges toward its dense and powerful finish. A bit of hubris in this Dalem, maybe at the expense of finesse? 90-92 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2047