2023, Château de La Dauphine, FRONSAC

Last Year EP $31.00-

Starting in 2012, Chateau La Dauphine shifted to 100% organic farming techniques. They earned their certification for organic farming in 2015. They are also experimenting with biodynamic farming on a 3-hectare parcel of vines.
The wine of Chateau de La Dauphine is made in a completely modern, state-of-the-art facility in the Fronsac appellation. In fact, it currently offers the most advanced wine-making facilities in the entire commune.
2023 blend is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.

Medium plus intensity, gorgeous deep plum colour, raspberry leaf, rosebud, sinewy tannins, a little bit subdued, but clear quality, great tannic juice, an estate to bookmark for sure.
93 Jane Anson.

The 2023 Château de La Dauphine has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, wild strawberry, cedar and light floral scents—one of the classiest that you will find from Fronsac this year. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fine depth and gentle grip. There is a sense of poise to this Fronsac that I really admire, and it feels persistent on the finish. This is an excellent de La Dauphine that should aged well in bottle.
92-94 Neal Martin.

I like the elegant freshness of the floral aromatics from this wine. The estate has been improving in recent years, and the vines averaging about 30 years help to add increasing complexity. The palate has lovely balance between high-toned aspects typical to the vintage and ripe red and dark fruit, displaying agreeable warmth and tannic poise. Although a shorter finish and less follow through than one would expect from the attack and the fine mid palate, barrel ageing should improve matters: my score reflects the maximum end of my range.
93 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Juicy and fresh red with medium body and firm tannins. Hints of vivid fruit and wet stones in the finish. Slightly chewy at the end.
91-92 James Suckling.