Château de la Dauphine Fronsac Merlot Cabernet Franc 2016

Dan R

Here’s a plump, juicy bdx red with the volume cranked way up. Despite its size and intensity, it manages to stay feeling fresh with a sense of proportion and balance. Dark fruited with an herbal twang. As other tasters noted, CF is noticeable (15% in ‘16). 30% new oak doesn’t feel cumbersome. Love the tannin work here, sweet and grainy, enough to give needed structure but not impede drink-now-ability. Overall I quite enjoyed this, although not my preferred style. After 2 glasses, I‘m guessing the 14.5% is lower than reality. Nevertheless, great party/cocktail wine, killer value - Napa drinkers should back the truck up.

Manj Gunawardane

Dark fruit, chocolate and med tannings. Pretty approachable at this stage and plenty more to show after a couple of days. Nothing too elegant or complex but enough depth and tastiness to justify the price!

Adam Gäfvert

Mycket ung än. Frisk vild syra nu och ganska extraherad. Behöver ganska många år till.

Scott Cowan

Best QPR in forever: $15 at The Wine Club. This Fronsac’s 10% Cabernet franc punches FAR above its weight class and holds together the juicy exuberance of the 90% merlot that wants to run in many directions at once: dark red blackberries just beginning to dry on the vine in late autumn... plus a tiny bit of the bushes’ brambles left in the mix during crush... a brand new Brooks leather saddle... Whiff of 5-30 weight motor oil from the garage down the block but only when the wind blows by... promises more layers in coming years. This 2016 opened up over three days, corked, as I drank it down; at the end (third day,,one hour in the bowl of the glass) it had begun to develop and lengthen a promising finish. If that continues, I’ll give this wine a straight-up 9.5 regardless of price!! Right now: 9.1 for that QPR plus just plain deliciousness at an everyday price.