Château La Dominique 2022

Delicately fragrant, floral, violets, rose petals, cherries, blackcurrant, orange zest, very playful; a silky palate, delicate fruit, fine-grained tannins, voluminous yet not heavy, a red-fruited, slightly herbal finish. A charming La Dominique.

Youthfully plump and juicy in feel, with a ball of cherry and blackberry compote wrapped in black licorice and carried by a tug of warm earth on the finish, showing a nice savory hint throughout. Understated overall, with sneaky length and focus on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2038. 4,500 cases made.

Ripe and concentrated aromatics, lively and open. Detailed and finessed on the palate — still quite tense and serious, the fine but grippy tannins take hold and drive the wine forward with a cool undercurrent of blueberries and cola. Oak spice comes alongside a bite of minerality with clove, salty stones, dark chocolate and powdery liquorice accents. Feels sculpted with power but delivered really elegantly — svelte and streamlined, this has yet to soften and expand, but there's all the hallmarks of a generous, juicy, concentrated wine with plenty of life ahead.

Lead pencil, blackberry, thyme and violet aromas follow through to a full body with lots of tannins and a juicy finish. This needs some time to soften. A tannic and structured wine that will come together with time in the bottle. Best after 2029.

The 2022 La Dominique is gorgeous, elegant and gracious. Dark red/purplish fruit, mocha, lavender, spice and new leather abound. A wine of exquisite finesse, La Dominique is positively stellar in 2022. All the elements are so well balanced. I especially admire the wine's energy and class.

Flowers, black cherries, black raspberries, truffle, mint, and herbal aromatics open the wine. Medium-bodied, silky, fresh, and creamy on the palate, the wine exudes purity in its silky, vivacious finish, further lifted by dark chocolate that appears at the very end. The wine blends 88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2026–2045.

Deep ruby colour, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Dark wild berries, fresh plums and cherries, orange zest underneath, a fine touch of oak. Juicy palate with good complexity, sweet cherries, fine acidity, elegant and persistent, shows length and some ageing potential.

The 2022 Château La Dominique might be the finest I've tasted from this estate. Located in the northern part of Saint-Emilion, not far from Cheval Blanc as well as the Pomerol border, with plenty of clay in the soils, it's based on 88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, raised in 50% new barrels. Gorgeous darker currant and black cherry fruit, chocolate, leafy herbs, and a Pomerol-like damp earth character all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has incredible purity, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's a gorgeously textured, seamless, balanced Saint-Emilion that already offers pleasure yet has a solid two decades of prime drinking ahead of it. Bravo.

Delicate blueberry-tinged bouquet, subtle violet perfume, light tobacco, graphite and elderberry drops. On the palate, elegant and precise, with a silky texture, balanced freshness and a tightly knit tannic framework. Focused aromatic finish of wild cherry, tarragon and a finely powdery extract.

Plump ruby red in colour, with a lovely welcoming nose of brambled fruit, plenty of dark cocoa bean and espresso character, but at every turn balanced by a mandarin peel and lime zest note that adds interest and freshness. This is good quality, showing the vintage’s exuberance and spice for sure, but well handled. Vinified in stainless steel, aged in 50% new oak barrels, 40% one-year-old barrels and 10% in eggs, amphoras and wine globes. Yield of 38 hl/ha, owned by the Fayat family.

A pure, precise nose, fragrant, hovering between flowers and aromatic herbs. On the palate, lovely freshness paired with captivating fullness, leading to a finish marked by beautiful saline minerality.

To say the least, the ageing has really suited it. The first tasting was a surprise, and the second clearly confirmed this great success. Dark, deep, purple colour. Very aromatic nose, with ripe, creamy fruit, enhanced by a subtle touch of raspberries and truffle. Smooth on the attack, flavourful on the mid-palate, both silky and powerful, the wine develops with a long, complex finish, both in aromas and structure. Superb. Bravo!