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.
94 points, James Suckling (Feb 2019)
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. Drink now through 2034. 6,667 cases made.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2019)
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. About 6,666 cases produced.
92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Nov 2018)
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.
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019)