2016 Château Dalem Fronsac

Fronsac is one of the most underrated wine regions in Bordeaux, but often produces wines with great depth and complexity at a fraction of the price of its famous neighbours in Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Château Dalem is one of the very best estates in Fronsac. The 18th-century château sits on a hilltop surrounded by 18 hectares of vineyards on the slopes below. The wine is Merlot dominated and the grapes come from over 45-year-old and low yielding vines. The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted in two rounds before fermenting slowly in cement tanks. The wine is finally aged in French oak barrels of which 40% are replaced every year.