2021 Château de la Dauphine

Château de la Dauphine Winery

Château de la Dauphine is one of Fronsac's leading estates, situated on a high plateau just outside Libourne. The château boasts a substantial, continuous vineyard and is farmed organically and biodynamically. The focus is on precision in the vineyard, low yields, and a clear interpretation of the chalky terroir. The style of Château de la Dauphine is refined, fresh, and clearly terroir-driven, with a classic Bordeaux structure.

Fronsac and the 2021 vintage

Fronsac, located west of Saint-Émilion, is known for its limestone and clay soils, which produce wines with freshness, tension, and ageing potential. The appellation often combines the structure of the Right Bank with a remarkable aromatic clarity.

The 2021 vintage was cool and challenging, with lower alcohol levels and pronounced acidity. This proved particularly successful in Fronsac, with wines displaying elegance, precision, and classic balance. Château de la Dauphine is among the year's clear standouts.

Vineyards and terroir of Château de la Dauphine

The Château de la Dauphine vineyards are situated on a limestone plateau with a clay topsoil. These soils provide good drainage and contribute to the wines' fresh acidity and mineral undertones.

The organic and biodynamic methods enhance the terroir's expression, resulting in grapes with aromatic precision and natural balance, even in a complex growing season like 2021.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2021 Château de la Dauphine is Merlot-dominant, complemented by Cabernet Franc. Merlot delivers juicy red and black fruit and a round texture.

Cabernet Franc adds freshness, spice and a light floral note, which contributes to the wine's tension and length.

Harvest and vinification

The harvest was carefully selected to maintain a balance between freshness and ripeness. Due to the cool season, the ideal harvest time was determined for each plot.

Vinification focuses on gentle extraction and preserving aromatic clarity. Aging supports the structure without masking the fruit, resulting in a wine with focus and precision.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a bright ruby red color. The nose is expressive and fresh, with aromas of blackberry, wild strawberry, and raspberry, complemented by cedarwood and a subtle earthy note.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with a tight and well-defined opening. Fresh acidity adds tension, while fine tannins provide structure. The finish is elegant, pure, and energetic, with red fruit and a light mineral note.

Structure, style and storage potential

The 2021 Château de la Dauphine is a wine that emphasizes finesse and precision over power. The style is classic, fresh, and balanced.

Thanks to its acidity and structure, this Fronsac has surprisingly good ageing potential and will develop beautifully over a long period.

Summary of professional reviews

Neal Martin rates the 2021 Château de la Dauphine 92 points, praising the bright aromas of blackberry and wild strawberry, the fresh acidity, and the elegant, clean finish. In his previous review, he awarded it 91–93 points and emphasized the structure, salty tension, and harmonious balance, with only a slight limitation in length. James Suckling rates the wine 91–92 points and describes it as focused and linear, with dark fruit, earthy notes, and fine tannins. Together, the reviews paint a picture of a highly successful Fronsac with classic allure and excellent value. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Would you like to order Château de la Dauphine wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

Roasted chicken with rosemary and lemon complements the fresh acidity and red fruit.

Veal meatballs in a light tomato sauce go well with the juicy structure and fine tannins.

Grilled beetroot with lentils, parsley and walnut enhances the earthy and mineral character.

Beef stew with carrot and bay leaf combines beautifully with the classic Bordeaux structure.

Mushroom risotto with Parmesan matches the elegance and balance of the wine.

Semi-hard sheep's cheese such as young Manchego offers a harmonious and refined contrast.