The Wine Cellar Insider (98)

The complex aromatic profile explodes from the glass with pineapple, papaya, apricot, Meyer lemon, tangerine peels, caramel, honey, vanilla, saffron, cashews, and candied grapefruit in the aromatic profile. The palate resides perfectly in the middle of hedonism, and vibrancy. Clearly, there is ample sweetness, but the racy acidity provides incredible lift, energy, and length. The fruit expresses purity in its tangerines, oranges, mango, papaya, banana, and pineapples all slathered in honey. This is one of those Yquem's that can be enjoyed either as a sweet wine, or due to its vibrancy, with a diverse array of savory, and spicy dishes. Produced from a blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 148 Grams per liter, 14% ABV, 3.79 pH. Yields were only 8 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place over an extended time, September 12 - October 27, with 4 passes in total. As you can see, the harvest was quite long, but picking the heart of vintage took place mid-to late October. Drink from 2027-2075.

James Suckling (100)

A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever.

James Suckling (100)

A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever.

James Suckling (100)

A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever.

James Suckling (100)

A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever.

James Suckling (100)

A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever.

James Suckling (100)

A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever.

James Suckling (100)

A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2017 Dalem is vinified without SO2 and sees 40% new oak. It has a clean and precise bouquet with perfumed blackberry and freshly picked mint aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins. One of the most elegant Dalem wines that I have tasted in recent years with a clean and precise finish that is top drawer. This has kicked on since bottling and is turning into a very lovely Fronsac. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Wine Advocate (92-94+)

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Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2019 Dalem offers almost Burgundian purity on the nose, where blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone and pressed iris petal commingle. The palate is beautifully proportioned and quite saline, with fine tannins and an almost pixelated finish, which delivers superb grip and density. This is an outstanding Fronsac that will live long in the bottle. Excellent.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.

James Suckling (92-93)

Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.

James Suckling (92-93)

Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.

James Suckling (92-93)

Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.

James Suckling (92-93)

Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.

Jeb Dunnuck (91)

Darker currants, cassis, graphite, and spring flowers define the aromatics of the 2022 Château Dalem. It has a Saint-Émilion-like sense of minerality, a medium to full body, and a layered, pure style that has tons to love. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years or so. I wasn’t able to get the release price, but this wine is almost always a brilliant value.

Indulge your palate with the prestigious Dame de Bouard 2017, an exemplary display of Bordeaux's finest. This vintage is created by the esteemed Hubert de Bouard, renowned for his winemaking finesse identical to Chateau Angelus. Nestled in the heart of Montagne-Saint-Emilion, each bottle marries the unique terroir with time-honoured traditions.

The Dame de Bouard 2017 harmoniously brings together Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand-harvested and carefully vatted, each grape variety reveals its distinctive character—providing a layered and robust wine experience. Aged for 14-18 months in exclusively French oak barrels, its depth of flavour is unrivalled. On the palate, anticipate a medley of dark cherries, cocoa, and tinges of spice.

Dame de Bouard 2017 embodies the quintessence of premium French viticulture. The outcome is a resplendent and powerful wine, promising a velvety texture and enduring finish—an essential addition for connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Wine Advocate (88-90)

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Wine Advocate (88-90)

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Indulge in an exquisite vinous journey with the Dame de Bouard 2021, the epitome of elegance born out of the storied vineyards of Bordeaux in France. Meticulously crafted by the notable de Bouard family, inheritors of the world-renowned Château Angelus, this wine is a testament to their unyielding dedication to quality and grandeur.

Each sip reveals the distinct terroir differentiation, capturing the perfect essence of its Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. The Dame de Bouard 2021 is traditionally vinified, with its grapes harvested manually, followed by a meticulous triple sorting process before being aged in French oak barrels. This painstaking process lends it an incomparable balance, a deep ruby hue, and a fresh taste profile with delicate tannins – a mesmerising dance of blackcurrant, raspberry, and floral notes punctuated by an elegant, polished finish. Truly, Dame de Bouard 2021 is the embodiment of French winemaking mastery embraced by wine connoisseurs globally.