2001 La Dauphine

The 2001 Château de la Dauphine, the first vintage under the new ownership of the Halley family, was picked 1-10 October and 30% of the crop was matured in new oak. Now showing light bricking on the rim, it is fully matured on the nose but by no means past its best. It is equipped with lovely red plum, singed leather and light espresso scents, all very well defined and fresh. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy, slightly dry tannins. Modest weight, there is a gritty quality to this Fronsac with tar and tobacco intermixed with cracked black pepper on the finish. The palate has not held up quite as well as the nose, but this 20-year-old wine continues to drink well.