A great effort, the 2022 de la Dauphine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It reveals aromas of spices, dark berries and licorice, followed by a juicy, tense and medium-bodied palate built around a nice calcareous texture and a fresh, fruity finish. 89-91 points

The 2022 La Dauphine offers up copious inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, crushed rocks, lavender and menthol. Unctuous and deep to the core, La Dauphine is shaping up beautifully. 90-92 points

Layers of dark damson fruits, this is a Fronsac with an inky colour, unusual for limestone. Well balanced on the palate, edges of floral peony and violet, unusual in this most exuberant of vintages where there is not always time for subtlety. Dark chocolate by the block, black cherry fruits, the high alcohols come through in texture and weight through the mid palate, but there is plenty of juice, and a tannic signoff. Needs time, but great quality. Certified organic since 2015, now 56ha, making it a serious size for the appellation. 30% new oak, with the rest a mix of amphora and large oak casks. 93 points

The 2022 Chateau de la Dauphine has a very ripe and generous bouquet with iodine-infused blue fruit, showy and opulent but retains sufficient delineation and freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with a saline entry, fine acidity and gentle grip. There`s a classically styled tobacco and black pepper-tinged finish. Commendable in terms of substance and length, this should age with style. 91-93 points