About the Wine

Built between 1744 and 1750 by Jean-Baptiste de Richon, a prominent figure in the Parliament of Paris, the Château gained its name and reputation following a distinguished visit.Maria Josepha of Saxony, the Dauphine of France, graced the estate with her presence, bestowing upon it the prestigious title of La Dauphine. This regal association catapulted the property into the realm of legendary Bordeaux estates.

Over the years, Château La Dauphine has undergone a remarkable journey of refinement and innovation. In 1985, it joined the esteemed Moueix family, renowned for their ownership of Petrus and other esteemed châteaux. Under the stewardship of Jean Halley and later the Labrune family, the estate saw significant investments aimed at elevating its terroir and enhancing wine quality. 

Spanning 70 hectares of meticulously tended vineyards, Château La Dauphine embodies the essence of its unique terroir. Its wines are celebrated for their fresh, vigorous tannins and silky, creamy texture, reflecting the meticulous care lavished upon the vines.

Driven by a dedication to environmental stewardship, Château La Dauphine embarked on a journey towards organic and biodynamic viticulture. Following ten years of vineyard exploration, the estate achieved organic certification in 2015, embracing biodynamic methods to harmonize with nature's rhythms and respect the land.

2016 was a very outstanding year for Bordeaux. For wine lovers and collectors who are looking for a stunning Bordeaux to cellar, this year is one to look for. Vinous Media blessed this vintage with a stunning 98-point review and said "The 2016s are absolutely remarkable wines. The word that comes to mind, unfortunately so often overused, is balance. In technical terms, the 2016s boast off-the-chart tannins that in many cases exceed those of wines from massive vintages such as 2010. And yet, the best 2016s are absolutely harmonious, with the tannins barely perceptible at all." 

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels (30% new).

Tasting Notes: 90% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

A firm and chewy red with dark-berry, chocolate and walnut character with some salty, mineral undertones. Full body. Dense and driven for the vintage. ~93 James Suckling

This wine is structured, dark and concentrated. With powerful tannins, it is going to be a dense and solidly constructed wine. There is power here in the abundance of rich fruit and spice flavors. ~92 Wine Enthusiast

Deep dark ruby, firm core, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. On the nose inviting fine oak note, black berry fruit, and fresh orange zest. On the palate juicy, elegant, well balanced, fine cherry fruit, and with integrated tannins. It has charm and is a versatile wine. ~93 Falstaff

Inky dark purple colour. Pure and fragrant nose offering ripe dark fruit, blackberry, cherry, tobacco and fine oak. The palate has dense fruit and young but ripe tannin, fresh and pure fruit flavours with integrated oak. Polished, elegant and persistent finish. ~93 Andreas Larsson,Best sommelier of the world 2007 AIS

Black fruits, cedary spice, tobacco, and some chocolate notes emerge from the 2016 Château 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. ~90 Jeb Dunnuck

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 de la Dauphine reveals notes of baked black cherries, dried mulberries, spice cake and tobacco with a core of blackberry compote and mincemeat pie plus a touch of dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers loads of savory accents to complement the ripe black fruits, framed by rounded tannins and finishing on an herbal note. ~90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of This Wine***