Château DASSAULT - Magnum 2009
In Saint-Émilion, Château Dassault belongs to the historic properties of the right bank whose modern identity was built under the impetus of the Dassault family. Acquired by Marcel Dassault in 1955, the estate has gradually benefited from significant investments in the vineyard and technical facilities to refine the precision of the wines. Its terroir mainly combines sandy and clay-limestone soils, on which Merlot finds favorable conditions for a broad and ripe expression. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon complete the blend by bringing freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity. The 2009 vintage, warm, dry, and particularly generous in Bordeaux, allowed the grapes to reach great maturity and the wines to be naturally rich. In Saint-Émilion, this concentration translated into deep and velvety textures, supported by very ripe tannins. In magnum, Château Dassault 2009 benefits from a slower evolution that preserves more fruit, freshness, and cohesion than a classic format.
The blend is based on a clear majority of Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot brings density, flesh, and notes of black plum, blackberry, and ripe cherry to the wine. Cabernet Franc enhances freshness and introduces a more floral and spicy dimension, while Cabernet Sauvignon contributes to structure and persistence. The different lots are vinified separately to adapt the extractions to the profile of each plot and the maturity of the vintage. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanies the richness of the wine and allows the tannins to gradually integrate. The natural generosity of 2009 gives the wine a particularly enveloping texture, but the balance retains enough energy to support a long evolution. The magnum format further strengthens this aging potential and today allows the wine to be approached in a phase where initial power and complexity begin to converge.
The color shows a deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens on blackberry, black plum, and candied cherry, accompanied by licorice, cocoa, and cedar. With aeration, blond tobacco, sweet spices, undergrowth, and slight truffle nuances gradually appear. The palate is broad and velvety, with generous material supported by now well-softened tannins. The black fruit remains present, while the first tertiary notes bring more depth and complexity. The finish is long and warm without heaviness, on plum, cocoa, spices, tobacco, and a slight mineral touch. Château Dassault 2009 in magnum will accompany a beef filet with porcini mushrooms, a roasted rack of lamb, pigeon, duck breast, or cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
