Château DASSAULT - Magnum 2000
In Saint-Émilion, Château Dassault belongs to the right bank estates whose modern history is closely linked to the Dassault family. Marcel Dassault acquired the estate in the mid-20th century and initiated a profound transformation of the vineyard, giving the property the identity it retains today. The terroir is based on a mosaic of soils mixing sands, clays, and more calcareous areas, particularly favorable to Merlot. This naturally forms the heart of the blend, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon bring freshness, aromatic relief, and structure. The 2000 vintage is among the major years of Bordeaux, with particularly accomplished ripeness on the right bank and wines often deep, generous, and capable of long evolutions. Château Dassault 2000 fits this profile with rich matter, a solid tannic framework, and ripe fruit now largely blended into more complex nuances. In magnum, the slower evolution helps preserve more freshness, cohesion, and aromatic precision.
The blend is based on a majority of Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot builds a broad and velvety mouth, marked by black plum, ripe cherry, and dark fruits. Cabernet Franc brings more freshness, floral finesse, and spices, while Cabernet Sauvignon strengthens the backbone and length. The different lots are vinified separately to adjust extractions according to the maturity and character of each parcel. Aging in French oak barrels then supports the structure and promotes the gradual integration of fruit, tannins, and woody nuances. The natural richness of the 2000 vintage has given the wine enough substance to cross decades without losing its balance. The magnum format further enhances this aging capacity and today allows the wine to be approached in a particularly interesting maturity phase.
The color shows a deep garnet with ruby reflections gradually evolving towards tiled nuances. The nose develops aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, and blackcurrant, accompanied by cedar, blond tobacco, and licorice. With aeration, notes of fine leather, undergrowth, cocoa, sweet spices, and truffle appear. The palate is broad, supple, and harmonious, with now widely polished tannins that give a velvety texture. The fruit still retains presence but now blends with deeper tertiary nuances and freshness that maintains balance. The finish extends on tobacco, cocoa, spices, and evolved black fruits with beautiful persistence. Château Dassault 2000 in magnum will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, rack of lamb, game birds, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
