Château Dalem - Fronsac 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

At the helm since 2002, Brigitte Rullier-Loussert succeeded her father, Michel Rullier, who bought the estate in 1955. She has taken the measure of this 12-hectare, south-facing vineyard on clay-limestone slopes. The 18th-century château and its grounds dominate the Isle valley. The energetic but sometimes abrupt style has been happily softened and the wines, without losing their vigor, have gained in refinement. Excellent value for money.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

One of the oldest crus in the Fronsadais, created in 1610, and undoubtedly one of the highest quality. Overlooking the Isle valley, the vineyard is divided between Ch. Dalem (12 ha), the flagship label, and Ch. de la Huste (8 ha). In the same family for 3 centuries before being sold in 1955 to Michel Rullier, it has been run since 2020 by the latter's daughter, Brigitte Rullier-Loussert.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Situated on the finest terroirs of the Fronsadais region, between the plateaux and hillsides of Saillans, this estate has nothing to envy its neighbors. The wines are well up to standard, but remain affordable, with a focus on fruit and fine ageing. With this in mind, a new vat room has been built: stainless steel vats enable the different plots to be worked with greater precision. Precision pays off, as the domaine earns its first star, confirmed by a very fine 2020 tasted en primeur.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of spicy plums and blueberries sprinkled with cocoa, with hints of nuts and dry earth. Medium- to full-bodied, with layers of fine tannins and a chalky texture. Structured and concentrated, with a lively, crisp palate of black fruits. Pure and succulent, with notes of spice and dried herbs and a lingering finish. To be tried after 2024.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

Initially restrained and with a certain aromatic sobriety, Dalem then expresses a delicate, deep, distinguished fragrance, opening out towards the floral. The palate is centered, salivating and vibrant, with a tonic substance held together by energizing acidity.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Dalem 2020 strikes me as serene and poised. It has mastered the richness of the vintage, and its harmony is to be commended! Its tannins are fleshy and perfectly integrated. They offer fullness and good ageing potential. An expressive, persistent wine. The chalky freshness had a lot to play for in 2020. Dalem benefits greatly from it! What energy in this wine! 2025-2042

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is elegant, aromatic, racy and offers power (with finesse/delicacy), a certain concentration and a lovely finesse of grain. Notes of bursting blackcurrant, blue berries and, more lightly, blueberry are combined with hints of licorice/zan, crushed strawberry, gray pepper, spices and fine points of green cardamom, vanilla, sense of place and an imperceptible hint of black olive (in the background). The palate is fruity, well-balanced, racy, precise and offers a lovely finesse, fine grain, juiciness, richness (in finesse), suavity, power (in delicacy), a certain density (in balance), a lovely stretched/all-out length. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, dazzling blackcurrant, small acidulous/flavoring blue berries combined with touches of violet, acidulous/charnished red berries, blueberry, sweet spices, as well as fine hints of sense of place, toastiness, hazelnut, a discreet hint of graphite, chocolate and caramelization. The tannins are precise, relatively massive and polished. 

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

The floral bouquet is what you notice first, before moving on to notes of licorice, tobacco leaf, espresso and chocolate-covered plum. On the palate, the wine seduces with its silky textures and opulent nature. The finish remains elegant and flavorful. This is the best vintage of Dalem I've ever tasted. 2023-2038

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Dark purple color with violet highlights and black core. Excellent nose with distinct aromatic expression, rich fruit, blackberries, plums and elderberries, dark chocolate, vanilla and oriental spices in the background. On the palate, well-structured with freshness, ripe tannins, fresh fruit, dark berries and notes of plums, sweet spices and dark chocolate. A magnificent wine with freshness and excellent length.