La Dauphine 2022 (750ML)

93 JA / 93 DE / 92-93 JS / 91-93+ JD / 91-93 VM /91-93 WI / 89-91 WA

Layers of dark damson fruits, this is a Fronsac with an inky colour, unusual for limestone. Well balanced on the palate, edges of floral peony and violet, unusual in this most exuberant of vintages where there is not always time for subtlety. Dark chocolate by the block, black cherry fruits, the high alcohols come through in texture and weight through the mid palate, but there is plenty of juice, and a tannic signoff. Needs time, but great quality. Certified organic since 2015, now 56ha, making it a serious size for the appellation. 30% new oak, with the rest a mix of amphora and large oak casks. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Richly concentrated dark berry fruits with crushed stones and slate minerality on the nose. Supple, generous and bright, this is so smooth and sleek, excellently weighted in the mouth with quite a sharp, almost sour tang to the fruit that gives a buzz to the palate while the crushed stone, slate, graphite and pencil lead give the salty undercurrent. Liquorice and clove join towards the finish giving a spiced angle all adding to quite a complex whole. Lovely purity of fruit, still tense and focussed but sculpted and well worked retaining a sense of finesse and restraint as well as the terroir markers. 3.5pH. HVE3 certified. Ageing in separate lots for 12 months with 30% new wood, amphora and foudres. Julien Viaud consultant. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Fine tannins with creamy texture and a crisp finish. Medium body. Racy and refined. Hints of chalk at the end. - James Suckling

The 2022 Château La Dauphine is terrific, and certainly worth the effort to track down. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as fabulous aromatics of cassis, black cherries, spring flowers, and some leafy herb nuances, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This impeccably made Fronsac will have 10-15 years of prime drinking. - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Château de la Dauphine has a very ripe and generous bouquet with iodine-infused blue fruit, showy and opulent but retains sufficient delineation and freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with a saline entry, fine acidity and gentle grip. There's a classically styled tobacco and black pepper-tinged finish. Commendable in terms of substance and length, this should age with style - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2022 de la Dauphine needs a little swirling to bring forth notes of baked blackberries, kirsch, and juicy blueberries, followed by hints of dried roses and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is plush and juicy with just enough freshness and a fragrant earth finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

A great effort, the 2022 de la Dauphine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It reveals aromas of spices, dark berries and licorice, followed by a juicy, tense and medium-bodied palate built around a nice calcareous texture and a fresh, fruity finish. - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate