A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Dalem has a deep garnet-purple color and compelling notes of blackberry preserves, wild blueberries and ripe, juicy black plums, with hints of dark chocolate, licorice and black olives. The full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) appears bright and fresh with the lively black fruits framed by soft, velvety tannins, finishing long and savory. Nicely done! (LPB)

Another successful Fronsac which is smooth and creamy through the mid palate with good fruits and rich roasted coffee bean notes alongside toasted oak, coffee and chocolate. It's definitely not taking its foot off the pedal in terms of extraction, but it is sexy and approachable and ready for pleasure, as the high alcohol helps wrap up the tannins. (JA)

The 2018 Dalem is quite backward on the nose, opening gradually to offer blackberry, licorice and very light menthol aromas; you just want to give the aromatics a polite kick up the backside. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Quite juicy in the mouth, delivering black cherries and cassis toward the well-defined, persistent finish. Excellent, but give it 24 months in bottle, because the nose needs time to find its mojo. (NM)