2018 La Dominique (750ml)

Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Called “one of the real stars of Saint-Emilion” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, these elegant and age worthy 95 plus pt. Right Bank blends from under the radar estate La Dominique offer lush, concentrated fruit with supple tannins on a persistent, lingering finish, continuing the estate’s “upward trajectory” according to Neal Martin of Vinous and priced for far less than its high profile neighbors to enjoy over the next decade and beyond.

Under the ownership of the Fayat family since 1969, the 16^th century Chateau La Dominique is located in northern Saint-Emilion on the western edge of the appellation adjacent to Pomerol and neighboring Chateau Cheval Blanc, the two vineyards running side by side for nearly a kilometer. Planted mostly to Merlot with Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 29 hectare vineyard boasts a mix of soils from deep gravel over clay mixed with sand near the Pomerol plateau to patches of deep blue clay to the south, the Grand Vin aged in La Dominique’s modern, mirror-clad state of the art winery for 14 months in 50% new French oak and 10% amphoras under the direction of famed enologist Michel Rolland. Described as already “impossible to resist” by Jeb Dunnuck, the 96 pt. 2018 La Dominique is a blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon boasting fresh ripe spiced fruit with polished acidity and impressive depth and “backed by a subtle savory edge on the lively finish” according to the Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth. Crafted as a blend of 85% Merlot with 13% Cab Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon by former Haut-Bailly winemaker Yann Monties, the 96 pt. 2019 La Dominique marked the estate’s 50^th anniversary under the Fayat family, described as “a terrific effort” by the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley that’s “velvety and seamless, with juicy acids, supple tannins and an elegantly gourmand profile.” Declared “a great wine in the vintage” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the 96 pt. 2020 La Dominique is a blend of mostly Merlot that’s “racy and wonderfully sleek right out of the gate” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, with abundant structure to mature gracefully for more than a decade according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss.

Described as an “estate that’s got its mojo back” by Neal Martin of Vinous, these top vintages of La Dominique boast rare universal acclaim from critics across the board, reflecting the estate’s status as Saint-Emilion’s rising star and delivering outstanding value for Bordeaux fans and collectors who stock the cellar.

96JD

95WE

95JS

94V

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!

96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)

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.

95 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)

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.

95 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)

The 2018 La Dominique bursts from the glass with an exotic mélange of ripe red fruit, blood orange, spice and cedar. La Dominique is a rich wine, but it also has enough energy and verve to balance things out. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. I especially admire the delineation and nuance in the 2018. This is such a gorgeous wine, especially with a bit of aeration.

94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$59.88

Compare At: $64.99

26 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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