Château Dauzac Margaux 2019 - 5ème Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

This vintage continues to improve: it has a distinctly Labarde character, firmer than a classic Margaux, with more of the cedar notes typical of the Médoc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and a body that is slightly more defined on the palate than that of some of its peers. The corks are in impeccable condition. Excellent value for money, with its peak expected around 2031.

About the estate:

With vineyards located right next to those of Giscours and Siran, this fifth growth—classified in 1855—had been owned by MAIF since 1988, which sold it in early 2019 to the Breton group Samsic, led by Christian Roulleau. The remarkable technical team remains in place under the leadership of Philippe Roux and Laurent Fortin, setting an example in many ways; they have undertaken significant efforts to renovate the estate with great respect for the environment and to modernize the technical facilities, complemented by a level of viticulture and winemaking that one would like to encounter more often. The latest vintages have produced well-rounded wines, praised by critics: a powerful and harmonious grand vin, and two second wines—Aurore, similar in style to the grand vin, and La-Bastide, which is more supple.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

A staple of the appellation, this wine lives up to its reputation with a beautiful deep purple color and complex aromas of spices, graphite, licorice, and smoke. It has a strong personality that is also evident in its full-bodied, rich palate, with firm tannins that are still a bit harsh on the finish. Patience is key. 2026–2032

About the estate:

After a golden age in the 19th century, this estate fell into decline in the first half of the 20th century, before being revived by the Miailhe family, who came from Siran; the Châtelier family, who arrived from Champagne; and finally, in 1989, by MAIF, which entrusted its management to André Lurton in 1992. Lurton’s daughter, Christine Lurton Bazin de Caix, managed the estate from 2005 to 2013. Laurent Fortin succeeded her, and in 2014, André Lurton sold his stake to MAIF. The vineyard comprises 45 hectares in a single block.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the wine:

It confirms its promising qualities. The wine is full-bodied yet juicy, driven by beautiful fruit and subtly enhanced by oak. A hint of pepper rounds out the finish.

About the estate:

The estate has been a strong contender for several vintages now. Laurent Fortin, who has served as the estate’s director since 2014, has been launching new initiatives, conducting experiments, and expanding the product line. He has successfully revitalized the estate, which can now be considered a safe bet. Now under the ownership of the Roulleau family, the estate is poised for further growth, with well-developed plans for vineyard management.

Wine Enthusiast

James Suckling

About the wine:

This wine is wonderfully fragrant, with aromas of blackcurrant and flowers that carry through to its medium- to full-bodied palate. The tannins are very well integrated and linger into the finish. Bright and lively. One of the best Dauzacs ever. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot. Best after 2026.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The nose is very expressive, with notes of fig, cedar, and ripe black cherry. The attack is rich and bursting with freshness; the fruit coats the palate, and the tannins provide a broad structure, leading to a toasty finish with soft hints of vanilla. A real delight.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is elegant and offers complexity, a controlled intensity, and a well-balanced structure. It features notes of creamy blackcurrant, juicy wild strawberry, and a hint of violet, combined with touches of crushed raspberry, as well as subtle hints of licorice, caramelization, blueberry, tea, a hint of chocolate, blue plum, and a subtle hint of vanilla. The palate is fruity and offers minerality, freshness, juiciness, nice definition, smoothness, a certain richness, a subtle tangy structure, and an airy quality to the attack. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of vibrant Boysenberry, crushed raspberry, and, more subtly, juicy cherry, combined with hints of blueberry, fresh/juicy bilberry, delicate hints of racy/gravelly minerality, as well as subtle savory notes of pepper and sweet blond tobacco. A very lovely expression of juicy, vibrant, and tart fruit. The tannins are precise and offer a refined smoothness. Good length. A slight chewiness on the finish/persistence. Beautiful length (13 caudalies). Sincerity, purity, and savory notes in this lovely wine.