2008 La Dauphine
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Château de la Dauphine was picked at 45hl/ha between 29 September and 15 October, then matured in 30% new oak for 12 months. This is a vintage that (for my sins) I trashed out of barrel, though this is the first time that I have acquainted myself with the wine in bottle. To be frank, I find the nose a little overripe and smudged, scents of black plum, fig and a touch of eau-de-vie, perhaps more like a 2009 in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, but I find this is missing verve and vigor, what we critics often refer to as "dead fruit". It is not strictly unenjoyable, but I have encountered far better vintages of this estate.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A sleeper of the vintage with slightly more noticeable acidity than in its younger sibling, the 2008 offers elegant berry fruit intermixed with notions of earth, raspberries and flowers. This is a well-endowed, mid-weight, stylish Fronsac to drink over the next 3-4 years.
A sleeper of the vintage with slightly more noticeable acidity than in its younger sibling, the 2008 offers elegant berry fruit intermixed with notions of earth, raspberries and flowers. This is a well-endowed, mid-weight, stylish Fronsac to drink over the next 3-4 years. Wine Advocate.May, 2011