95pts Vinous

The 2015 La Dominique is bold, super-ripe and exciting. Black cherry, chocolate, plum, licorice, smoke, crème de cassis and menthol all flesh out in this dramatic, sumptuous Saint-Émilion. Ripe and voluptuous on the palate, with no hard edges, it will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. In 2015, La Dominique exudes a level of aromatic intensity and sheer explosiveness few other wines have.

94pts Decanter

Restrained and elegant on the attack, this has plenty of dense, dark black fruit to back it up. The palate opens to show complexity and intensity of fruit, and totally delivers on its opulent and silky billing, with lovely touches of spice to pick up the finish. Well constructed. It is planted to 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 70% new oak with Michel Rolland as consultant. 49hl/ha yield, 3.75pH. (JA)

94pts James Suckling

The nose is still a bit shy, but there’s lovely, delicate, floral character. Sleek, bright and quite structured with plenty of earthy character. The moderately tannic finish is long, fine and complex. Better in 2020 and good aging potential.
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94pts Wine Enthusiast

This wine is impressive in both structure and ripe, generous fruits. It is solid, with good potential for aging, though the dark tannins suggest that it will develop slowly. Enjoy through 2032.

93pts Wine Spectator

An alluring, intriguing style, featuring dark fig, boysenberry and melted licorice notes wrapped together and flowing through, while hints of graphite and warm ganache hang in the background. Feels polished, with well-buried racy acidity. Distinctive and nicely done.

92pts Jeb Dunnuck

Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2016 Château La Dominique is unquestionably an outstanding wine. From vines just east of Cheval Blanc and a blend of 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up 40% in new oak (20% of the blend was in tank), it reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as a stacked bouquet of sweet red and black fruits intermixed with more subtle tobacco, cedary spice, and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, balanced, and a classic 2016 (as well as classic Saint-Emilion), it’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and drink well for two decades.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2016 La Dominique is composed of 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged for 16 months in 60% new oak and 20% one-year-old oak from four different coopers and 20% in tanks. Deep garnet-purple colored, it features black cherry compote, blackberry pie, sautéed herbs and tree bark with wafts of tobacco and a touch of underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied, very firm and structured with a lively lift to the finish.

Winemaker Notes

With its deep and shiny color, Chateau La Dominique brings together the generosity of a Saint Emilion and the typicity of a Pomerol. The nose is intense, characterized by seducing aromas of ripe fruits and subtle spicy notes. In most vintages, you will find truffle and licorice notes, complemented by peppery and woody aromas. With a sharp attack, it is fleshy and round, with silky and precise tannins. The finish is long and full and leaves you with a pleasant feeling of bliss. Aimed to be aged in most vintages, but can also be appreciated during its early years.

Blend: 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon