CHÂTEAU DALEM

The 2017 Dalem felt somewhat reduced on the nose making it difficult to read although a second showing towards the end of my tastings revealed an engaging floral bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannin, sweet and plush in the mouth with blueberry, vanilla extract and cassis towards the velvety finish that fortunately does not push too hard. This is a well- crafted Fronsac from Brigitte Rullier-Loussert. Drinking range: 2022 - 2038 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2018)

From an 18-hectare estate on the Fronsac plateau owned by Brigitte Rullier, the inky-colored 2017 Château Dalem is a deep, rich, modern style beauty that gives up plenty of classy oak as well as crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed violets, and underlying minerality. It’s textured, nicely concentrated, and balanced, yet I suspect it’s going to need 2-3 years of bottle age. It’s a rockstar Fronsac. The rough blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 40% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Rating: 89-92 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Apr 2018)

This is so solid and beautiful with a delicious core of ripe fruit of dark berries and currants. Some chocolate. Medium body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2018)