This shows a solid core of fruit with lots of salt and meat character. Full to medium body and a fresh finish.
James SucklingScore: 92-93/100
Inky dark with purple rim. Dark, rocky/mineral fragrance. Juicy and scented on the palate, with some red as well as black fruit. Super-polished tannins that are a fine framework for the fruit. Refined, not over-oaked. Long. (JH)
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 17/20Drink Drink2021-2030
Coming from the northwest part of Saint-Emilion, next to Cheval Blanc, the 2017 Château La Dominique is a beautiful, nicely concentrated, complex 2017 that should easily be an outstanding wine. A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 30% new French oak, it offers loads of ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruit, tobacco leaf, and damp earth-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, concentrated, and with terrific polish and elegance, it’s a rocking effort that will drink nicely for 10-15 years. Tasted twice.
Jeb DunnuckScore: 90-92/100
The 2017 La Dominique was picked from 15 to 29 September at just 18hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak, less than previous years. The estate is now under the directorship of winemaker Gwendoline Lucas. It has a nicely focused bouquet that shows more elegance than recent vintages that I have been fairly critical of. Here there is more precision and more terroir expression, a tad herbaceous underneath the fruit that merely adds freshness rather than under-ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that frame layers of red and black fruit infused with Hoisin and white pepper notes. It does not quite have the panache shown by the nose and it pulls up a little short but I have a sense of a change in direction, one that I like. It might be regarded as a work in progress but it should still drink well for a decade or more.
Neal MartinScore: 89-91/100Drink 2022-2040
The tentative blend of the 2017 La Dominique looks to be 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it has lovely crushed blackberries and blueberry compote notes with touches of dried mulberries, spice cake and dried roses. The palate is medium-bodied, soft and plush with delicate fruit and a gentle spiciness to the finish. Apr 2018, www.robertparker.com
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine AdvocateScore: 87-89/100
Bordeaux / France