-
96
/ 100
Vinous -
95
/ 100
James Suckling -
95
/ 100
Decanter
Red
Classification
Cabernet Blend
Variety
2020
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion
Region
14.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
96 / 100"The 2020 La Dominique is eye-opening. Warm, dry summer weather caused natural dehydration on the vine, which in turn yielded a Dominique of unusual depth and concentration. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare, as opposed to 50 in 2019 and 46 in 2018, which seems to work so well in giving the 2020 an extra bit of everything. Even with all its richness, the 2020 remains bright and full of energy. Red-toned fruit, pomegranate, cinnamon, menthol and rose petal all open effortlessly, but it is the wine’s sheer textural resonance that impresses most. Tasted next to the 2018 and 2019, the 2020 is quite simply on another level. Harvest started on September 10 for the Merlot and wrapped up in the 30th with the Cabernets. The blend is 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Élevage is expected to be 14 months, mostly in French oak (50% new), with about 10% of the wine aged in amphora. I can’t wait to taste the 2020 from bottle. It is a superb effort from the team led by General Manager Gwendeline Lucas and Technical Director Yann Monties."
- Vinous
95 / 100
"Very tight and focused red from here with blackberry, iodine and stone aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with ripe tannins that are fine-grained and show length. Pretty."
- James Suckling
95 / 100
"Another successful vintage for La Dominique, ruby colour with violet reflections, this has the measured delivery of succulent damson and black cherry fruit, clearly gong for a gourmet-feel with grilled butterscotch and cocoa beans. It totally works - has firm tannins, cooling blue fruits and freshness through the middle, no dip in the mid palate and waves of secondary aromatics. Serious, and a clear progression of the past few vintages."
- Decanter
Tasting Notes
Château La Dominique has always been involved in sustainable agriculture, reigning over a 25-hectare vineyard planted on an exceptional terroir, with a combination of brown clay soils and sandy soils on a clay sub-layer. The vines are 30 years old on average.
Château La Dominique 2020 is made of a blend of Merlot (85%), Cabernet Franc (12%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (3%). Floral and dark fruit fragrances precede a balanced, fruity and wonderfully fresh palate. Château La Dominique 2020 seduces with its tight and delicate tannins, as well as its persistency on the palate.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity