Château Dalem - Fronsac 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

At the helm since 2002, Brigitte Rullier-Loussert succeeded her father, Michel Rullier, who purchased this estate in 1955. She has fully come to appreciate this 12-hectare vineyard, which faces south on clay-limestone slopes. The 18th-century château and its grounds overlook the Isle Valley. The energetic yet sometimes abrupt style has softened beautifully, and the wines, without losing their vigor, have gained significantly in refinement. Excellent value for money.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

One of the oldest estates in the Fronsadais region, established in 1610, and undoubtedly one of the finest. Overlooking the Isle Valley, the vineyard is divided between Château Dalem (12 hectares), the flagship label, and Château de la Huste (8 hectares). Owned by the same family for three centuries before being sold in 1955 to Michel Rullier, it has been managed since 2020 by his daughter, Brigitte Rullier-Loussert.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the estate:

Located on some of the finest terroirs in the Fronsadais region, between the plateaus and hillsides of Saillans, this estate is every bit as good as its neighbors. While the wines are of high quality, they remain affordably priced; they emphasize fruitiness with refined aging. It was with this goal in mind that a new winery was built: the stainless steel tanks allow for more precise work with the different plots. This precision pays off, as the estate has earned its first star, confirmed by a superb 2020 vintage tasted en primeur.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of spiced plums and blueberries dusted with cocoa, with notes of nuts and dry earth. Medium-bodied to full-bodied with layers of fine tannins and a chalky texture. Structured and concentrated with a lively, crisp palate of black fruit. Pure and succulent with notes of spices and dried herbs and a lingering finish. Best enjoyed after 2024.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

Initially reserved and somewhat restrained on the nose, Dalem then reveals a delicate, deep, and refined bouquet that evolves into floral notes. On the palate, it is well-balanced, mouth-watering, and vibrant, with a lively texture supported by invigorating acidity.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Dalem 2020 strikes me as serene and composed. It has successfully harnessed the richness of the vintage and displays a harmony that deserves praise! Its tannins are full-bodied and perfectly integrated. They offer depth and excellent aging potential. An expressive and persistent wine. The mineral freshness played a significant role in 2020, and Dalem benefits greatly from it! What energy in this wine! 2025–2042

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is elegant, aromatic, and refined, offering power (in the form of finesse and delicacy), a certain concentration, and a lovely finesse of texture. It features notes of vibrant blackcurrant, small blue berries, and a hint of blueberry, combined with touches of licorice, crushed strawberry, gray pepper, and spices, as well as subtle hints of green cardamom, vanilla, a sense of place, and an imperceptible hint of black olive (in the background). The palate is fruity, balanced, elegant, precise, and offers lovely finesse, a fine texture, juiciness, richness (with finesse), smoothness, power (with delicacy), a certain density (in balance), and a lovely, lingering finish. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, vibrant blackcurrant, tart/vibrant small blue berries combined with hints of violet, tart/fleshy small red berries, blueberry, sweet spices, as well as subtle hints of mineral notes, toast, hazelnut, a subtle hint of graphite, chocolate, and caramelization. The tannins are precise, relatively robust, and polished. 

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

The floral bouquet is the first thing you notice, followed by notes of licorice, tobacco leaf, espresso, and chocolate-covered plum. On the palate, the wine captivates with its silky textures and opulent character. The finish remains elegant and flavorful. This is the best Dalem vintage I have ever tasted. 2023–2038

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

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