2016 La Dauphine
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Château de la Dauphine was cropped at 31hl/ha, lower than the previous vintage, between 26 September and 23 October. It was matured in 30% new oak for 12 months. It is slightly more opulent than the 2015 with black cherries, Dorest plum, black truffle and liquorice scents, seductive if not quite exuding the same breeding as the prior vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. This is cohesive and velvety smooth, a fine bead of acidity here with a judicious touch of white pepper mixed with clove towards the finish. It finishes with a little more elegance than the nose suggests. A good, solid, quite delicious, upstanding Fronsac.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,310 g. Hand painted label. Deep crimson. Very concentrated and vigorous nose with a fair amount of ripe tannins but lots of energy. Fresh fruit and concentration. Only slightly exaggerated on the extraction front. Almost more like a tincture than a wine. (JR)
Black fruits, cedary spice, tobacco, and some chocolate notes emerge from the 2016 Château De La Dauphine. it’s a powerful, medium to full-bodied Fronsac that delivers the goods. With sweet fruit, ripe tannins, and outstanding balance, drink it any time over the coming decade.