Château Dalem 2022

Candid, fragrant, cherries, raspberries, herbed bacon, Christmas spices; soft attack, round, opulent, very dense, remains elegant, very well structured, very high-quality tannins, long, red-fruited, violets on the finish. A safe bet again this year.

A nicely saturated core of plum and cassis flavors is well-supported by warm earth and sweet tobacco notes. Shows violet and sanguine flashes through the focused, steady finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2035. 5,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.

Blueberries and touches of cola on the nose. Bright and straight, this is a lean take on the vintage—definitely more focused on acidity and crisp fruit than others that are fuller and broodier. I like the style; it’s clean and lifted with a refreshing finish that almost makes your mouth water, and I love the hints of cool mint and minerality throughout. Some tight tannins need to settle and relax a bit more, but this will be enjoyable and a food‑friendly option.

Opulent, ripe, round, and lush, the wine opens with notes of incense, flowers, chocolate, and spice. The palate is even better with all those sweet, lusty, ripe fruits dipped in chocolate. Drink from 2025–2038.

Dark ruby garnet, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle rim brightening. Fresh black cherries, dark wild berries, delicate herbal savouriness, a mineral touch. Medium-bodied, red berries and fresh, pleasant acidity, lemony-mineral finish, a lively food companion.

Darker currants, cassis, graphite, and spring flowers define the aromatics of the 2022 Château Dalem. It has a Saint-Émilion-like sense of minerality, a medium to full body, and a layered, pure style that has tons to love. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years or so. I wasn’t able to get the release price, but this wine is almost always a brilliant value.

A superb value choice in the vintage. The fruit is dripping with juicy orange peel and slate minerality, and conveys both the exuberance of the vintage with the tension of limestone. Vineyard dating back to 1610, owned today by Brigitte Rullier. Tasted three times and a standout every time. Harvest September 14 to 29, 30hl/ha yield, 50% new oak barrel, Eric Boissenot consultant, in one of his rare forays over to the Right Bank.

Crème de cassis and maraschino cherry lend their spicy, intense aromas to a very fleshy, ripe, alcohol-driven nose. The finesse of the texture brings lovely freshness on the palate. The tannins are perfectly integrated, and the slightly mentholated finish adds an extra dimension.

So much expression, diversity, and freshness in Dalem’s bouquet, which shines as much for its red-berry notes as for its chalky character. Dense and velvety on the attack, the wine combines breadth and energy. It takes on a serene, accomplished stature, promising a bright future while already being delicious. A great success.

Deep, inky purple color. Highly aromatic nose, delicate, fruity, pure, ripe, complex. Hints of vanilla. A touch of tar like in Pomerol. Cherry. Ultra-meticulous on the attack, with a texture of unparalleled tactile precision throughout, melting, savory, elongated, deep and nobler than ever; the wine finishes seamless and even perfumed. In it, I find the aesthetic of great Médoc craftsmanship combined with the inexpressible charm of the Right Bank. Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 14.5% – pH: 3.55 – IPT: 90. Production: 60,000 bottles.