Château de La Dauphine 2023

Clear, pure, profound, noble, violets, dark berries, stony undertones, perfectly integrated oak; juicy palate, delicate fruit, plenty of charm, precise tannins, polished, with energy and a long red‑fruited finish. Excellent. Top buy!

I like the elegant freshness of the floral aromatics from this wine, made from grapes harvested between 13 September and 5 October and now ageing 12 months in 30% new oak. 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, at 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.50, 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.

The 2023 La Dauphine is very fine. Blackberry, crème de cassis, lavender, licorice and dark chocolate are front and center. In 2023, La Dauphine is not quite as powerful as it can be, and yet its balance is terrific. Floral top notes and clean mineral notes lift the finish nicely.

A blend of dark red fruits with black raspberries fill the perfume. The palate is even better with its display of sweet, ripe, cherries, and strawberries with salty cocoa notes that pop in at the end of the creamy-textured finish. La Dauphine is now one of the top wines from Fronsac, and they are making a nice <a href="https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-topics/guide-white-bordeaux-wine-chateaux-taste-character-grapes/">white Bordeaux wine</a> too! Drink from 2026-2037.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening at the rim. Ripe cherries, notes of figs, a hint of nougat. Medium complexity, delicately leafy texture, vivid tannins, mineral and salty finish, though somewhat dry.

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

Score: 88–90. Juicy black fruits dominate the first aromas. The palate, velvety and fruity, retains freshness and offers intense chew.

The nose is precise, straightforward and mineral. It reveals notes of tangy fruit (blackcurrant, sour cherry, bigarreau cherry). On the second nose, there are indulgent aromas of dark plum with chocolate, licorice, integrated toastiness, as well as notes of fresh mint and dried mint. The palate is vertical, slightly bitter. It delivers flavors of sour cherry, bigarreau cherry, blackcurrant, dark plum, chocolate, licorice and toast. The tannins are silky and well-structured. The finish is long, with cherry notes and chalky minerality, as well as bright, lively acidity. An elegant, refined wine.

A direct version, offering a beam of cherry and black currant fruit allied with sweet tobacco and a hint of sandalwood. Shows a savory twinge on the relatively open finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2032. 12,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.