Château de La Dauphine 2022

Deep, noble, violets, orange zest, clear and pure, plenty of dark fruit, a stony underpinning, blackberry, a fine creamy note; powerful on the palate, very well structured, a mouthful of wine, top-class elegance, the finest tannins, crisp, juicy, long-lasting, balanced. Undoubtedly the best La Dauphine so far.

Violet and iris notes dart out from a core of black currant and bitter cherry fruit flavors, while a swath of warm earth and tobacco moves in on the finish. A solid, terroir-driven style. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2036. 12,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

Vividly floral with blackcurrant scents and a touch of ink adding to the allure of the nose. Silky smooth with an immediate vibrancy of acidity and bright red berry fruit on the palate. Juicy but also poised, this isn't brooding or too rich, with finely integrated tannins and a long finish. Sculpted and concentrated while staying sleek and refined. Still too young, not as approachable as some others, but this will reward patience. A great wine.

The 2022 La Dauphine is even better than when I tasted it en primeur. Dark, vibrant and explosive, the 2022 has notable energy that plays off a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, rose petal, spice and blood orange. Brisk notes from the limestone plateau extend the mid-palate and finish effortlessly. What a gorgeous wine this is.

Initially, you notice the floral character before your wine moves to smoke, cherries, plums, licorice, and chocolate on the nose. The palate is soft, creamy, and packed with layers of sweet red fruits, chocolate, and silky textures. La Dauphine is now one of the top wines from Fronsac. Drink from 2025-2038.

Deep dark ruby garnet colour with an opaque core and purple reflections, delicate brightening at the rim. Subtle herbal savouriness, dark wild berries, fresh cherries, candied orange zest in the background. Fresh, elegant, red berries, lively acidity, energetic and persistent, good length, a multi-faceted food wine.

Gorgeous stuff, the 2022 Château La Dauphine is richly textured and layered, with notes of black cherries, red plums, spicy wood, dried flowers, and chocolate. Round, concentrated, and medium to full-bodied, it has polished tannins and a great finish. It has a solid 10–12 years of prime drinking ahead of it.

Good quality, plenty of grip and lift through the mid palate, just a little subdued overall on the aromatics, more focus on texture, and a touch of bitterness on the finish—think dark cherry, edge of rosemary, violet, juicy sign-off, and an understated charm. 30% new oak, with the rest a mix of amphora and large oak casks. Organic, wax closure, 30 hl/ha yield, pH 3.5, harvest September 8 to 23, consultant Julien Viaud. Certified organic.

An aromatic nose with a sappy character. On the palate, a fluid, flavorful elegance carried by lovely freshness, leading to a saline, distinguished finish.

The notes of black berries and spices combined with freshness are promising. They herald a sapid wine, which is confirmed right from the attack! Linear and elegant, the wine has compact, powerful tannins that provide excellent support and ensure a solid backbone. A conquering, vigorous wine that reaches spheres rarely attained at La Dauphine!

The nose is mineral. It reveals notes of black cherry, violet and, more subtly, ripe wild raspberry, with touches of licorice stick as well as a discreet hint of incense, local underbrush and cocoa. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, a tangy backbone, minerality, juiciness, precision, a rounded feel, lovely definition and finesse. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy cherry, pulpy/juicy blackcurrant and, more slightly, bright raspberry, combined with touches of purple plum as well as hints of licorice stick/zan, cardamom, infusion and a touch of roasting. Good persistence. A hint of pleasant bitterness on the finish/persistence.

Beautiful deep red with purple highlights. Intense nose with ripe, even very ripe fruit. A pleasantly fresher presence appears when the glass is swirled. Caressing on the attack, tender mid-palate, the wine unfolds well-structured and flavorful, finishing with pronounced oak presence. Normal length. Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 14.5% – pH: 3.5. Organic farming. Vineyard managed biodynamically.

This is a firm wine, its tannins still prominent. With ripe blackberry fruits developing and a dry edge, the wine has a way to go. Drink from 2028.