Château DASSAULT - Magnum 1998
In Saint-Émilion, Château Dassault is part of the landscape of great right bank crus with a vineyard established on soils mixing sands, clays, and more calcareous areas. The property entered the history of the Dassault family in the mid-20th century, when Marcel Dassault acquired the estate then known under another name and undertook a profound transformation of its identity. Merlot holds a dominant place here, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, which respectively bring freshness, aromatic relief, and structure. The vineyard is managed with particular attention to grape maturity and precise parcel selection. The 1998 vintage is a particularly successful year on the Bordeaux right bank, with Merlots reaching beautiful maturity and wines generally deep, generous, and structured. After more than twenty-five years of evolution, Château Dassault 1998 is now in an advanced maturity phase, where the initial fruit gradually gives way to more complex nuances. The magnum format favors slower evolution and can preserve more freshness, cohesion, and depth than a standard bottle.
The wine is based on a blend dominated by Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot forms the core of the matter with notes of plum, black cherry, and ripe fruits, while Cabernet Franc brings a more floral and spicy dimension. Cabernet Sauvignon reinforces the structure and contributes to the length on the palate. The vinifications aim to preserve the natural richness of the vintage while building a tannic framework capable of supporting aging. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanies the matter and promotes the gradual integration of tannins and woody nuances. Over time, this initial structure has softened and tertiary aromas have gained importance. In magnum, this evolution can remain particularly harmonious, with a beautiful continuity between ripe fruit, freshness, and complexity.
The color shows a deep garnet evolving towards ruby nuances and slightly tawny on the rim. The nose combines black plum, ripe cherry, and blackcurrant with notes of cedar, blond tobacco, and licorice. With aeration, fine leather, undergrowth, sweet spices, and discreet truffle nuances gradually appear. The palate is ample and supple, with now largely melted tannins giving the whole a more velvety texture. The evolved fruit remains supported by sufficient freshness to maintain length, while notes of tobacco, cocoa, and damp earth enrich the finish. The magnum often allows remarkable aromatic homogeneity to be preserved at this stage of maturity. Château Dassault 1998 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, rack of lamb, game birds, or cuisine centered around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
