2018 Chateau de la Dauphine Fronsac

Pro Reviews

Janis Robinson (JR)

Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale. 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Although the estate was already organic certified, because they bought new vineyards which were not certified, for this vintage the entire estate was ‘de-certified’. Fermented parcel by parcel in tank, 30-day maceration, manual extraction. Aged in separate batches for 12 months, 30% new barrels. Smells fumy! Lots of ‘Bordeaux’ here. Members-only, cigar-smoked leather, old book spines and honours-boards-lined walls; pursed lips of starched butlers and topiary box leaf. The fruit is dark, dense and sumptuous but tightly buttoned down and wood-panelled and oh so very, very polished. You can see your signature ring in its gleam. Reserve, with an innuendo of undercover insubordination, should you take it on. GV (TC) – 17/03/2021

Vinous Media (VM)

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. – Antonio Galloni – 29/03/2021