Château de La Dauphine 2018

Fruity and dense, powerful tannins still a bit rough, a new-oak-driven finish: should age.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 de la Dauphine opens with notes of stewed black cherries and prunes with an undercurrent of new leather, hoisin and wild mushrooms, plus a medicinal waft. The full-bodied palate certainly packs a punch of dried berry flavors with exotic spice accents and a chewy texture, finishing with a menthol kick.

Lovely scented cherries on the nose, a rush of red and black fruits inviting you in. The texture is immediately gripping, holding the focus of the chalky cherry, blackcurrant and raspberry fruits laced with tobacco and clove. Carefully handled tannins linger on the tongue. A well-constructed wine from a biodynamically farmed estate, offering lovely drinking pleasure right now. Voluptuous yet refreshing, and a bargain to drink now or keep.

Yield 35 hl/ha even though they are biodynamic. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. 30% new oak. Barrel sample. Black, black core with a narrow purple rim. Darker and more savoury than Ch de Carles, a little charry but intense with cassis too. The fruit is so intense it becomes savoury but opens up to bright blackcurrant, changing in the glass even now. But on the palate there is a lightness of touch giving a really smooth texture, generous and velvety. Rich, compact and still fresh. Likely to be good value. (JH)

The 2018 La Dauphine is a very sexy wine. Although it is not quite as rich or overt as some other Fronsacs, La Dauphine is so sensual and silky in the glass. Inky dark fruit, spice, chocolate and lavender are all laced together. Drink this stylish, refined Fronsac over the next 10-15 years.

Rich, ripe, silky and seductive, the fruits have a nice bite of freshness, giving lift and energy. The medium/full-bodied, fruit-filled wine finishes with a gorgeous blend of coffee bean, licorice, plums and dark cocoa. You can pop a cork on release or age it for a few years.

Deep dark ruby, black core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Black forest berry confit, a hint of spice, cassis in the background with woody savouriness, a chocolatey touch. Juicy, taut, elegant, multi-faceted acid structure, chocolaty, heart cherry fruit on the finish, lingers well, versatile.

I clearly misjudged the 2018 Château La Dauphine on release, and this was a fabulous showing. Still deep ruby/purple-hued, it boasts full-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe black fruits, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and loamy earth, with a ripe, expansive mouthfeel balanced by velvety tannins. It’s a brilliant Fronsac well worth readers’ time and money to track down. It should have another decade of prime drinking!

Kunz barrel sample 19: herbs, delicate bouquet, blue and black berries, cedar, currants, light tobacco. Elegant, fresh palate with powerful, sweet fruit, fine tannins, a subtly creamy structure, intense aromatics, long, spicy finish.

Once again, this wine is one of the best in its appellation, with a silky attack and velvety tannins that carry on in the most beautiful way. There is an aromatic charm with notes of violet and black cherry. It is already well set, with a true finish built on freshness.

A touch of cabernet franc adds a distinctive brightness to this vintage, which was still closed at the time of tasting.

The bouquet of La Dauphine shows freshness and charm through notes of mint and chocolate. These are complemented by inviting fruity nuances. On the palate, the wine is delectable, delicate, and balanced. Good aromatic intensity through to the finish. A sapid, slender wine, ready to be enjoyed.

The nose is fruity, fresh, and offers lovely fresh/juicy fruit, power, fine intensity, and a delicate crunch. It reveals notes of boysenberry, violet, and, more subtly, wild blue fruits, combined with small touches of Sichuan pepper, spices, fine hints of pencil lead, spices, and an imperceptible hint of star anise. The palate is fruity, balanced, and offers a tangy spine, juiciness, refined minerality, good definition, freshness, a touch of concentration, and depth. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackcurrant, juicy/fresh wild blackberry, a hint of juicy/fresh blueberry, as well as nuances of cornflower, lily, pencil lead, cocoa, a very discreet hint of toast, a subtle touch of star anise, and an imperceptible hint of bergamot (in the background). Good length. The tannins are elegant. A very discreet chew and a tangy feel on the finish/persistence.

Logo on the cork: FS