Château Dauzac 2016

A lively, fruity opening, followed by a dense, austere structure—even a bit tough at the moment—with a slightly dry finish: exactly matches the En Primeur impression; it needs some time to mature.

This is a frankly ripe and somewhat showy style, with waves of fleshy plum, blackberry and fig preserve flavors rolling along, laced with licorice and singed tobacco notes. Stays refined throughout, despite the showy fruit, with a light mineral edge peeking in on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2032. 10,000 cases made.

This rich wine comes from one of the most southerly estates in Margaux. Although structure is certainly there, it is cushioned by rich black fruits. Juicy acidity at the end offers a fresher view of this ageworthy wine. Drink from 2025.

One of the oldest estates in Margaux, Château Dauzac is a fifth growth with a 42ha vineyard on deep gravel soils near the Gironde. Long focused on sustainable viticulture, the estate is known for its research into biodiversity and the use of native yeasts as well as its relatively new ungrafted 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Franc de Pied. The 2016 grand vin blend is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot, vinified in wooden casks and aged 15 months in 68% new French oak barrels. Georgie Hindle: Dried herbs, blueberries and cherries. Smells lovely and evocative, sweet and lifted. Crisp fruit and almost piercing acidity. Nice combination of power and focus. Succulent, sappy and juicy, really moreish. Vincenzo Arnese: Intense and ripe. Good structure and body, good finish. Ripe tannins are still present and are rather drying. Robert Mathias MW: Bright, with violets, black cherry and iris. A mineral element of iodine and oyster shell. A real lift of violets and liquorice. Tightly coiled, just starting to show its potential.

A pleasant blend of 65 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 35 per cent merlot with medium body and firm, silky tannins that are polished and reserved. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

The 2016 Dauzac presents an impressive bouquet of intense black cherry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone and wilted violets; the oak here is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and pliant in the mouth. The saline finish fans out with style. Very fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

Medium-bodied, fresh, bright, crisp, vibrant, cassis, violets and earthy nuances combine for a classic take on Margaux,

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, discreet brightening at the rim, attractive dark berry confit, blackberry, black cherry, subtle fine oak spice. Fresh, lively structure, blackberry and cassis, mineral-citric nuances on the finish, versatile.

A fleshy, front-end loaded, flamboyant Margaux, the 2016 Château Dauzac gives up ample blue and black fruits as well as tons floral nuances. It’s not the most structured wine out there, but it just glides over the palate with a seamless texture, a soft, fleshy mid-palate, and outstanding length. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.

Garnet with ruby highlights. Very aromatic nose showing nut and blackberry, followed by blackcurrant and tobacco-tinged spice. Mid-palate with a firm texture and plum skin in the aromatic finish.

Kunz Fassprobe 17: Floral, light, sweet bouquet with red berries, wood and slate. Firm, dry palate with sandy tannins, medium aromatics and a dry finish.

Floral, light, sweet bouquet with red berries, oak and slate notes. Structured, dry palate with sandy tannins, medium aromatic intensity, dry finish. 16/20 2024 - 2032

Silky tannins, with inky depths to the colour, and gorgeous notes of chocolate and fresh damson, cassis and blueberry fruits. Great persistency, this is riven through with toasted oak notes, just starting to open up for drinking now, but it will age. Such a great example of the 2016 vintage, and a reminder that Dauzac is a 5th Growth that is in the ascendancy. 68% new oak. Located in the southern section of Margaux, close to the Garonne river, with deep clay and gravel soils.

Rather distinguished cedar notes, with a lovely supple, velvety texture; simple yet generous and with no hollow spots—far better than a “generic”.

2016 is Dauzac’s finest success, delivering a refined, brilliantly expressive wine. The fruit is pure, vibrant and juicy, and the finish unfurls lovely, subtly saline notes.

Deep garnet red with purple highlights. The color already sets the tone ;-) The bouquet follows suit: complex and nicely intense. I pick up notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, spices and a hint of tea leaves. A generous, fruity attack. On the palate, the wine is defined by freshness, thanks to a structure that supports it perfectly. It works in harmony with well-integrated tannins. The body is slightly creamy and well balanced. It deserves a little time in the cellar. Fruity, persistent finish. The wine has gained expression and character during its ageing. Bravo.

Deep, intense, beautiful color. The nose is intense, refined, fruity, pure, ripe and subtle. Gently mellow on the attack, juicy through the mid-palate, with a melting body and great tactile softness, the wine glides into the finish. It ends savory, long, sappy, fresh and ultimately very Médoc in style. A great success and an Outsider in Margaux.