Château La Dominique - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Vinous

91-93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019

The 2018 La Dominique was vinified in a gentler way in terms of extraction to reduce the rusticity of the tannins, according to estate manager Gwendeline Lucas. It is matured in 50% new barrels plus amphora and eggs, not concrete but plastic. It offers blackcurrant and raspberry fruit on the nose, pressed iris and violets, a little more cohesion than previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with linear, quite strict tannins. This feels nicely focused with plenty of freshness. It needs a little more on the back palate to increase persistency (indeed, Lucas told me that there are moves to address this in 2019 under a new technical director). Otherwise, this is a Saint-Émilion that is moving in the right direction.

Vinifera

94 /

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Bonne fusion du bois et de l'aromatique. Corps généreux, avec un joli volume de bouche, soutenu par une texture consistante. belle finale vineuse.

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/30/2019

Black-cherry colour, opaque core. Scented, intense black fruit with a delicate and counterbalancing floral note and lots of lovely pencil shavings. Sweet, intensely fruity but miraculously fresh too. Bouncy like a puppy but with depth. Fine tannins that take second place to the fruit. (JH)

Vinous

91-94 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/30/2019

The 2018 La Dominique is a racy, pliant wine. Sweet spice, mocha, dried flowers and menthol infuse this succulent, expressive Saint-Émilion. Even with all of its obvious concentration, the 2018 retains terrific freshness and poise, not to mention tons of character. Tasted two times.

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-95 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Rich, round and silky, here you'll find ripe, dark plum, black cherry, licorice and smoke in its core. Sensuous and even a little showy but still holding on to its elegantly balanced nature, the wine is perfectly ripe but not over ripe. You do find more concentration than usual here but everything remains composed and fresh with length. Is this the best vintage for Chateau La Dominique? Perhaps it is. Made from blending 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the harvest took place September 20- October 4, reaching 14% alcohol.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 La Dominique is quite cedary to begin, with truffles and fungi wafts over a core of baked plums, Morello cherries and boysenberries plus tree bark scents. Full, concentrated and packed with black fruit, it has rounded tannins and just enough freshness to lift the finish.

Wine Enthusiast

93-95 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2019

This wine from a Vignobles Clément Fayat château is continuing to make great strides. It is powerful, revealing blackberry fruits, firm acidity and dense tannins. Coming together, they will give a fine wine.

Jamessuckling.com

95-96 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

This is incredibly well integrated with ripe fruit and super fine tannins that melt into the wine. Precise and beautifully ripe fruit.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019

Very juicy and fruit-driven, with mouthfilling currant paste, boysenberry compote and loganberry notes bouncing through. The bramble-edged finish needs a bit of taming, but the purity and length are appealing.