Château La Dominique, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2019

Sensational Bordeaux.

Regularly cited as one to have on any wine-lover's radar, this is a superbly situated property in the north-west of Saint Emilion, bordering Pomerol and sharing terroir with the likes of Cheval Blanc, Figeac, La Conseillante and L'Evangile. 

This is very, very fine. And it's a Grand Cru Classé, which is a far more rarefied club than those that aren't classified, just to let you know...

Made from vines with an average age of 30 years, it is a blend of 85% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 14 months in a combination of 50% new oak and 10% in various concrete vessels, you get a clear vision of a family well-versed in traditions as well as the best of modern research. 

It is dense but balanced with freshness; charming yet serious; intense, while remaining an absolute joy for pairing with food.

And the critics love it too...

Jeb Dunnuck, 97 Points

"An estate readers need to have on their radar, the 2019 Château La Dominique is a beautiful Saint-Emilion coming from the northern sector of the region, not far from Pomerol, which might explain why I always find a Pomerol-like elegance in this wine. Redcurrants, black raspberries, sappy flowers, sandalwood, tobacco, and hints of damp earth all define the nose, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from 4–6 years of bottle age and keep for two decades."

Jeff Leve, 96 Points

"Texturally, this is just great with all of its soft, silky, polished nuances. Medium-bodied, fresh and vibrant, you find layers of black and red fruits, savory herbs, tobacco leaf, crushed stone, and flowers all over the place. Elegant and refined, this is going to be even better with a few years of bottle age. Drink from 2023-2041."

James Suckling, 95 Points

"This is very perfumed, with dried flowers, chocolate and hints of nuts to the dark fruit, following through to a full body with layers of fruit and a ripe, rich finish. Plush and ripe, yet still focused and precise. Needs time to open and come together. Try after 2024."

Decanter, 96 Points

"Aromatic and abundant on the nose, smells appealing and heady with floral touches alongside ripe red cherry and blackcurrant reflections. Amazing clarity to the fruit profile on the palate with such minerality driving the wine from start to finish. It has spicy tones, liquorice and toast that give texture and depth with acidity keeping things refreshing. Lovely grace. Tannins are fine and provide plenty of grip in the mouth supporting the fruit with excellent freshness and a wet stone character that puts you in St-Emilion. So charming, confident and characterful - lots to enjoy here. First full vintage with new technical director Yann and consultant Julien Viaud. Tasted twice. The 50th vintage at La Dominique since it was purchased in 1969."