At a glance

Producer

Château Dauzac

Region

Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$65-$90 USD

Tasting profile

Red and black currants, plum, violet, cedar, subtle tobacco, polished oak, emerging tertiary notes (truffle, forest floor)

Evolution: Fruit-forward in youth, now showing florals, savory sous-bois, complex spice and secondary development

At peak: Elegant, classic Margaux palate: persistent, with layered fruit/earth interplay and refined tannins

Structure

Acidity

Medium, balanced

Tannins

Medium, resolved, silky with age

Alcohol

13-13.5% ABV

Aging potential

Good; intended to be enjoyed over 10-15 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2019 to 2041

Optimal window

2016 to 2044

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Well-cellared bottles showing complexity, integrated tannin, and classic Margaux bouquet

2009 was an outstanding vintage in Margaux, yielding ripe, structured wines that retain freshness. Labastide Dauzac, as the château's second label, is accessible sooner than the grand vin, and at 15 years is at or near peak. Tannins are resolved, aromatics complex. While the wine will hold another few years, tertiary notes are already apparent.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roast duck, mushroom risotto, mild hard cheeses; classic Bordeaux pairings shine.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium tannins that are resolved and silky, which can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Sustainable vineyard management, targeted pesticide reduction, biodiversity promotion, increasing focus on renewable energy and eco-design packaging post-2010; water and energy use modernized in recent years but not fully implemented by 2009

Château Dauzac has made significant advances in sustainability post-2010, achieving HVE3 for environmental practices (biodiversity, pesticide reduction, ecosystem health). However, the 2009 vintage predated official certification and broader organic conversions. Packaging and shipping for this vintage are less sustainable than today’s releases. Still, vineyard management practices were improving, and the estate was early in adopting greener initiatives. Overall, this wine sits above average for its era but not at top sustainability levels.