Chateau de la Dauphine 2009, Fronsac
This dry and ruby coloured red showcases a complex nose releasing mix fruit( black cherry, red plums), mineral(earth), vegetal scents(licorice), wood(espresso bean and wood) and lots of fragrances. You will be charmed with this full-bodied wine revealing a broad texture, fleshy tannins and a long finish. Ageing potential is long. It is eady to drink now and will improve in the next 10 years following the vintage.
To some, this wine is made for the 'old'. 'die-hard' French palate for structure, complexity, intensity, edging dryness/full palate/body(for food) and high cost performance. The 53 hectare vineyard of Chateau de La Dauphine is located in the Fronsac appellation. The terroir is clay, limestone and sand soils. The vineyards are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc . The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 6,300 vines per hectare. On average the vines are 33 years of age. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrel. All these point to the nurturing of an intense wine.
Chateau de la Dauphine has been with new owners and management since 2000. So the plant and vineyards are modernized. For 2009, Chateau de La Dauphine is aged in 30% new, French barrels oak for 12 months. The consultant was Denis Dubourdieu who always make elegant wines. So this 2009 de la dauphine captures the essense of touch of traditionalism and modernity.
The annual production of Chateau de La Dauphine is only 6,500 cases!!
This vintage need full decanting for 45 minutes.
