Chateau Dauzac "Aurore de Dauzac" Margaux 2022
(Bordeaux, France) - [JS 94] [DM 92] [WS 92] [VM 92] [JA 92]

About the Winery:
Château Dauzac, a Margaux Grand Cru Classé according to the 1855 classification, is fortunate to have a single 49-hectare vineyard: 45 hectares in the Margaux appellation and 4 in the Haut-Médoc appellation.

Situated close to the Gironde estuary, which plays a vital role in the vineyard’s ecosystem, the estate is protected from ocean winds thanks to its ideal location surrounded by 120 hectares of meadows and woodland.

About this Wine:
Aurore de Dauzac is a single vineyard located on the far eastern side of the Dauzac estate, where the sun rises. In 1670, this plot had already been described as the “rising sun vines” (Aurore means dawn in French) and today it produces a fresh wine with intense fruitiness. This excellent 2nd wine of the historic 5th Growth Classified estate Château Dauzac is crafted from 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot. The wine is bright, intensely fruity, and elegant, offering great value for the region. It is aged in 100% French oak barrels (including 65% new barrels) for 12 months with racking based on tasting results.

Composition:
60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot

Winemaking:
Harvested by hand in small crates, the grapes underwent meticulous sorting both before and after destemming to ensure only the highest-quality fruit was retained. Vinification was carried out in Château Dauzac’s gravity-flow cellar, allowing for gentle handling of the berries and optimal preservation of aromatics and texture. Alcoholic fermentation took place in temperature-controlled insulated stainless steel tanks and wooden vats at approximately 28°C, followed by full malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 12 months, with 45% matured in French oak barrels, including 20% new oak, and the remaining 55% aged in French oak vats. If necessary, fining was carried out using plant-based proteins, and the wine is certified vegan.

Tasting Notes:
The 2022 Aurore de Dauzac reveals fresh aromas of red berries and delicate floral notes. The palate is silky and elegant, with refined tannins, vibrant freshness, and a long, polished finish typical of Margaux.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A year in which Dauzac excelled! Both Aurore de Dauzac and Labastide Dauzac are showing really well. Aurore is a bit deeper and structured with bright black fruit, berries, fine spices and crushed stones. Dusty tannins crumble nicely on the palate with full body and a long, powdery finish. Lots of energy. Already approachable thanks to its initial balance and the fine quality of tannins, but it will improve with more complexity in two to three years. Keep an eye on this." (Jan 2025)

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Lifted, cool and fresh, this is nicely plump with chalky tannins that fill the palate. Dark fruit mingles with a touch of liquorice and tobacco spice and lots of minty freshness to give a sleek and classically-styled wine with plenty of personality. The acidity is less pronounced than during Primeurs with the focus now on the tannic finesse and layering of plump berry fruit. Give this a little longer to come around." - Georgina Hindle (Jan 2025)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Pure and graceful, this delivers a long, seductive flow of iris, hibiscus and violet notes that pull along a core of gently mulled black cherry and blackberry fruit before letting it all end with a pretty curl of black tea. Delicious and fully approachable already. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2035. 9,500 cases made, 2,000 cases imported." - JM (Mar 2025)

92 Points - Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux:

Plenty of fruit and fresh acidities, this delivers power and complexity, dark ruby in colour with plump damson fruits, probably the easiest of the two plot-driven Dauzac wines to be drunk young. 45% new oak.

90-92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Aurore de Dauzac comes from gravel/sand soils on the edges of the vineyard. With blackberry and touches of cassis on the nose, this cuvée is more floral than the Labastide. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and finely-knit tannins. It merges into more red fruit toward the finish that is a touch more supple. There's a pleasant saline aftertaste." - Neal Martin (May 2023)