Dauzac 2016

Tucked into the southern tip of the Margaux appellation in the commune of Labarde, home to Dauzac, Siran and Giscours, there are some increasingly interesting things happening here. This, for me, is one of the few Margaux that is clearly better than its 2015 counterpart. Planted to 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, they have introduced a second wine for the first time in 2016 and unveiled new cellars, both helping to focus on upping selection for the main wine. You get a full and frank attack of powerful black fruits, tannins with an astringency and life that is extremely promising, and acidity that absolutely accompanies and plays off the other components. There is a slatey minerality and salinity on the finish. A wine to watch under the direction of Laurent Fortin.