2014 La Dauphine

The 2014 La Dauphine was a bit of a minx when I tasted it out of barrel, some bottles showing overripe character and others much fresher. Therefore, I did not score it and crossed my fingers. Well, I am glad I ignored those misfiring bottles, because it has blossomed into a fine Fronsac. It offers attractive blackberry, wild strawberry, dried apricot and crushed violets scents on the nose that seem to build in intensity but wisely never go over the top. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, plenty of red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit; lovely balance with a supple and detailed finish that has superb mineralité. Check out this great Fronsac wine. It's a little gem.

The 2014 La Dauphine has turned out to be soft, delicate and nicely perfumed, although perhaps a touch less boisterous than it was from barrel. Sweet red cherry, mint, wild flowers and tobacco grace the palate. This is an especially ripe, racy Fronsac, but there is good aromatic lift as well. Drink it over the next few years. Tasted three times.

The La Dauphine is gorgeous. Succulent black cherries, plums, smoke, licorice and sweet spice meld together in a juicy, forward Fronsac that should drink well pretty much right out of the gate. The style is forward, fruit-driven and racy to the core. There is so much to like here.