Chateau La Dominique 2018

JEB DUNNUCK: "Tasting more like a great Pomerol than a Saint-Emilion (which makes sense given its location), the 2018 Château La Dominique is a knockout winner in this great vintage and should be snatched up by readers. A blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, it reveals a dense purple hue as well as gorgeous notes of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spring flowers, damp earth, and truffle. These carry to a full-bodied, sweetly fruited, sexy 2018 with incredible purity, a solid spine of acidity (the pH is 3.65), ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. It's already impossible to resist, yet it should evolve for 15-20 years with no issues. Bravo!"

JAMES SUCKLING: "Aromas of blueberry, mulberry, spiced plum, walnut, tobacco and cigar box on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that frame a core of ripe blue and purple fruit. Polished and rich with wonderful depth. Better from 2024."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This estate, backing on to Château Cheval Blanc, has produced an intensely structured wine also full of rich fruits. It has the weight and density typical of this warm vintage, giving a powerhouse of black fruit and structure. Drink from 2026."

WEINWISSER: "Sattes Purpur mit zartem rubinrotem Rand. Dicht verwobenes Bouquet mit Wildkirsche und Holundergelee, dahinter zarte Harznoten, Lakritze und parfümierter Pfeifentabak. Am molligen Gaumen mit weicher Textur und ausgereiftem Tannin, leicht stützend, betörende Extraktfülle. Eleganter Körper. Im gebündelten Finale ein Korb mit blauen und schwarzen Beeren, Teakholz und zarter Adstringenz. Bravo!"

DECANTER: "This has plenty of coffee/mocha edging and generosity, alongside abundant tannins and an enjoyable lift that gives tension and definition. Everything in balance, with a juicy finish. An excellent 2018, showcasing the slightly more hands-off work in the cellar at La Dominique. New technical director Yann Monties (ex-Haut-Bailly) is making an impact alongside director Gwendeline Lucas."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Zart Holzwürze, ein Hauch von schwarzen Kirschen und Nougat, tabakiger Anklang. Saftig, schwarze Kirschen, feine Extraktsüße, integrierte seidige Tannine, zeigt eine gute, trinkanimierende Frische, mineralisch im Nachhall, gutes Entwicklungspotenzial."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Soft, silky and elegant, with no effort it is easy to get hooked on the fresh, sweet, ripe, refined red fruits with their beautiful purity. Medium-bodied, with a noticeable savory complexity on the nose and palate, this should age quite nicely. The wine is made from blending 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Dominique is a little broody, offering up damp soil, pencil lead, wild fungi and charcoal scents over a core of plum preserves and stewed blackberries. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers muscular black and blue fruit preserves, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing earthy. It opened considerably after a few hours, contributing exotic spice and floral undertones. Give it 4-5 years in cellar and drink it over the following 15 years+."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Ripe and succulent in feel, with a mix of blackberry, raspberry and plum fruit tossed with anise and applewood notes and backed by a subtle savory edge on the lively finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2032. 6,250 cases made. — JM"