Chateau Dassault “D de Dassault” St. Emilion 2016

Château Dassault "D de Dassault" St. Emilion is an expressive, dry red wine, crafted primarily from Merlot, with a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, from the esteemed St. Emilion appellation in Bordeaux, France. This wine reflects the rich heritage and meticulous winemaking practices of Château Dassault, aiming to showcase the distinctiveness and versatility of the St. Emilion terroir. The "D de Dassault" is designed to be more approachable in its youth while still capturing the essence and complexity expected from St. Emilion wines, making it a testament to the château's commitment to quality across its range.

The aim of the Château Dassault winery is to fully convey the unique qualities of vintage and terroir. With their dedicated and hard work, they continue and restore centuries-old traditions. In 1955, Marcel Dassault acquired the Château Couperie in Saint-Emilion, commenting on the acquisition as“ a well-considered love with at first sight. "Today the estate has changed its name to" Château Dassault ", and the vineyards on 28 hectares are looked after by a professional and dedicated team of wine. Thanks to hard work, the quality of the wine is constantly improving. In 1969, the Château Dassault winery received the category" Grand Cru Classé ", and in 2006 confirmed the level of quality. Today the winery is run by Laurent Dassault, grandson of Marcel Dassault, and Laurence Bran supports him in the management of the estate. The winery has implemented a policy of continuous improvement, which is strictly adhered to and implemented by team members with the support of Michel Roland - oenologist of the winery In 2002 Château Dassault was acquired by its neighbor and "Château La Fleur Grand Cru Saint-Émilion" (6.5 hectares). In the near future, the winery plans to improve the quality of the wine produced to the level of the best wines in its appellation. Château Dassault produces approximately 120,000 bottles of wine each year (80,000 Château Dassault and 40,000 second D de Dassault), while Château La Fleur produces approximately 20,000 bottles (including 6,000 second wine). The Dassault Group also owns a 5% stake in the prestigious partnership between Cheval Blanc and Château L'Evangile-Rieussec in Eric de Rothschild.

Tasting notes for the “D de Dassault” St. Emilion reveal a palette rich in dark fruit aromas, such as ripe plums and blackcurrants, elegantly intertwined with hints of spice, cocoa, and a delicate touch of oak, reflecting its aging process. On the palate, it offers a lush, medium to full-bodied experience, with smooth tannins and a vibrant acidity that brings balance and depth, leading to a satisfying finish that lingers with flavors of fruit and a hint of earthy minerality. This wine’s harmonious blend of flavors and textures showcases the potential of its prestigious origin.

Pairing the Château Dassault “D de Dassault” St. Emilion with robust dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, braised lamb shanks, or a rich mushroom risotto can accentuate the wine’s depth and complexity. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, where the bold flavors of the cheese complement the wine’s fruit and spice notes, creating an engaging and delightful tasting experience. These pairings not only highlight the wine’s adaptability but also its capacity to enhance a wide array of culinary delights.