Chateau la Dominique - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2013

Wine Advocate

87 / 100

byNeal Martinthe10/28/2016

The 2013 La Dominique is a blend of 13% Cabernet Franc and 87% Merlot matured in 50% new oak, the first vintage when the massale selection of Cabernet was included in the blend and the first vinified in the new facilities. It has a straightforward bouquet with blackcurrant pastille and a touch of blueberry, a touch of vanilla in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rigid tannin, high toned black fruit for the vintage, with a simple, rather one-dimensional finish. It is not a bad Saint Emilion, but there is a flatness here that it cannot shake off.

Wine Spectator

89 / 100

the3/31/2016

Jamessuckling.com

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2016

Lovely and silky red for the vintage with chocolate, plum and currant character. Full body, very fine tannins and a delicious finish. Gotta like it. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

La Dominique is an up-and-coming property with the son of Clement Fayat in full control. There is also a new cellar next to the striking, space-age, futuristic cellar of Cheval Blanc. The 2013 is unquestionably one of the stars of the vintage. It is difficult to believe they could get this much concentration and richness without aggressive tannins or rusticity in the wine. Its dense ruby/purple color is opaque to the rim, and the bouquet offers up lots of blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with a notion of blueberries. This full-bodied, opulent, concentrated 2013 possesses abundant freshness and charm. A big-time over-achiever as well as a sleeper of the vintage, it should drink well for a decade.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

86-89 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe5/16/2014

Dark ruby.  Very spicy, aromatic nose of blackcurrant, violet and herbal plum.  The flavors of dark plum, red cherry and mocha show good density for the vintage.  Finishes clean, fruity and persistent, showcasing repeating violet and pepper nuances.  Much less extracted and over the top than usual, and a big success for the vintage. 

matthewjukes.com

16,5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/23/2014

Smooth, bright red fruited and with nice depth, this is not a complex wine, just clean, red and fruity. The oak is well-judged and not too intrusive.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byRichard Hemmingsthe4/22/2014

Very fruitcake-style nose – baked, jammy. Not overdone though – just very modern and sweet. The finish is dry and balanced, though there is not much substance on the palate. A little bit of smoky character adds interest.

Vinous

82-85 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/18/2014

The 2013 La Dominique shows good up-front intensity, but then loses some of its persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Sweet tobacco, savory herbs and earthiness linger on the rustic finish. Overall, this is four-square.

Decanter.com

16,75 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/15/2014

Big, deep colour. Plush and opulent for the vintage. Freshness on the palate,  the tannins firm and long. Atypical but quite a statement for the year. 

My Bettane + Desseauve

16,5-17 / 20

the4/15/2014

Robe profonde, dimension gourmande, vin hédoniste et généreux, mais qui n’atteint pas le niveau de race et de précision qu’on peut attendre d’un tel terroir.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2014

The La Dominique is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc picked between 3 and 17 October with no pressed wine this year. It is being raised entirely in new oak. It has a veil of ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit on the nose, although there is a nagging herbaceous tincture that I hope will disappear by the time of bottling. The palate is dense and slightly aggressive on the entry, quite salty in the mouth with oak tannins dominating the briny finish that feels a little flat. Tasted two or three times with consistent notes.

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/8/2014

Concentrated for the vintage. Dark-colored and intense. Falls a little short but should come around nicely with barrel aging. Lots of berry, coffee and spice character.      

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2014

Offers a rounded, fleshy feel, with layers of plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit, lined with anise, charcoal and apple wood notes. Shows good range and integration. —J.M.

Wine Enthusiast

90-92 / 100

byRoger Vossthe3/31/2014

Layers of new wood dominate this wine. They make it soft and generous, while also smoky and spicy. The wine is warm and will probably develop quickly.