2005 La Dauphine
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Château de la Dauphine is matured in 33% new oak for 12 months. The bouquet has held up well over the last 15 years, quite exuberant with attractive brambly red berry fruit, sous-bois , tobacco and sage. This is well defined, brisk and vital. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins that provide a firm backbone that frames that dusky black fruit. Black pepper lends spiciness, flanked by clove and bay leaf scents, leading to a tannic finish that should guarantee another decade of drinking pleasure, possibly more. Two bottles opened after the first showed a little TCA.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
It’s amazing how good this wine has become since the property was sold by the Jean-Pierre Moueix firm to Jean Halley. The outstanding, sexy, full-bodied 2005 is a 5,000-case blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. With beautiful purity, symmetry, and power as well as elegance, it is a fresh, full, soft Fronsac with sensational concentration and depth. It can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.
Full, gamey nose –- very ripe and opulent. Just this side of overripe! But good taming of fruit and no aggressive extraction. Pretty dramatic and thick and a strong attack. (JR)