2018 Chateau Dauzac

ABOUT THE WINE
Château Dauzac, a Fifth Growth estate from the 1855 classification, has a long and storied history dating back to 1671, when the estate was sold to an order of Carmelite nuns. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of various notable owners, with significant innovations introduced in the 20th century, including temperature-controlled fermentation vats. After being purchased by ice-cream manufacturer Jean-Jacques Bernat during the Great Depression, Château Dauzac was eventually acquired in 1988 by its current owners. They entrusted the management to André Lurton, a well-known figure in Bordeaux, who managed the estate until 2014. The estate spans 120 hectares, with 45 hectares planted with vines. The 2018 vintage is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, reflecting the classic Médoc balance of power and elegance.

TASTING NOTES
The 2018 Château Dauzac is a medium to full-bodied wine with a silky texture and fine tannins. Aromas of ripe blackcurrants, dark cherries, and plum are complemented by subtle notes of tobacco, cedar, and earth. On the palate, it offers concentrated flavours of dark fruits, with hints of spice and graphite, leading to a long, polished finish. While approachable in its youth, this wine will develop further complexity with ageing, with its optimal drinking window expected in the next 8-15 years.

FOOD PAIRING
This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, including roasted meats, beef burgers, or even more refined dishes such as lamb or duck confit. It also complements hard cheeses and dishes with rich, earthy flavours. Best served at 16-18°C.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
Château Dauzac is embracing innovation, including an experimental 0.6-hectare plot of biodynamically farmed Cabernet Sauvignon, planted on its own roots. With relatively young vines across the rest of the estate, averaging around 20 years, the 2018 vintage is a superb example of the potential of both the vineyard and the estate’s commitment to quality. A wine to savour now or enjoy over the next decade.