Chateau Dalem 2019

A benchmark Fronsac with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, plum, violet, graphite, cedar, and baking spice. Richly textured yet beautifully balanced, it delivers velvety tannins, vibrant freshness, and exceptional depth with outstanding aging potential.

Food Pairing: Pair with roast lamb, beef Wellington, duck breast, venison, truffle dishes, aged Comté, or wild mushroom risotto.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Readers looking for a smoking deal in the vintage should grab bottles of the 2019 Château Dalem. This rich, medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling effort has lots of ripe darker cherry and blackberry fruit as well as tobacco, cedar pencil and violet nuances. Rich, textured, balanced, and with a real sense of purity and class, it's ideal for enjoying over the coming 10-12, if not 15 years or so. Best after 2022.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep purple-black colored, the 2019 Dalem needs a few swirls before it really starts to show off all its vibrant black cherries, kirsch and black raspberry scents, followed by hints of camphor, pencil shavings and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of crunchy black fruits with loads of freshness and perfume and a soft, approachable texture, finishing with a minty kick.

93 Points - James Suckling

Blueberries, minerals, slate and stone. It’s medium-bodied with medium, polished tannins and a linear finish. Nice balance. Lovely length to this.

92 Points - Wine Spectator

Sleek and taut, with chalky threads running along the edges of a core of fresh cherry puree and cassis notes. Features a subtle tobacco accent throughout, with nice cut through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now.

91 Points - Decanter

Another good wine from Fronsac here, a little more chocolate and black truffle than some, has a gourmet edge that is well matched by minerality. Overall a seductive feel to this while still wanting to be taken seriously. One to look out for. A yield of 41hl/ha. 80% malo in barrel, 40% new oak.