2005 Chateau de La Dauphine Fronsac

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Approx. $20 at Costco.
Opens nicely in 1-2 hours. Soft rounded fruit, the oak was handled nicely, balanced tannic finish. Barb and I liked this from the start but it continued to blossom with time.

A Fronsac estate formerly owned by Christian Moueix, of Château Petrus fame. Acquired by Jean Halley in 2000. The Moueix’s brought the vineyards up to speed and Halley has followed up with heavy investments in the vinification cellars. The efforts are clear in 2004 and clearer still with the 2005. La Dauphine is one of the appellation’s leaders again. 22 acres of 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc has delivered a wine with a purple plum colour, sweet cinnamon cherry aromas and a plum and cherry fruit palate with licorice and toast accents. Delicious now; better with a little time in the bottle.
88-90 Robert Parker Jr. The Wine Advocate, April 2007