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...
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.
-- Neal Martin