Château Dalem 2022

Château Dalem lies in Fronsac, about 30 km from the city of Bordeaux on the right bank, where Brigitte Rullier has continued her family's long ownership of the property. The blend leads with Cabernet Franc alongside Merlot. Fronsac's hillsides are built on clay and limestone, the cooler, water-retentive soils that suit Merlot and Cabernet Franc and give the wines their freshness and chalky, mineral grip. The maritime climate, moderated by the Dordogne, keeps the season long and even. The wine ages 12 months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange through the oak rounds the tannin and adds light spice and toast. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is fruity and intense, with cherry and red berry over floral notes and a clear oak edge. The palate has a fine fruit centre and the chalky, fresh tannin characteristic of the limestone, with bright acidity and an earthy finish. It drinks easily for a young Bordeaux. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, and decant briefly to open the fruit. It works with roast beef and grilled lamb.