The 2020 Château La Dominique is a normal blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. It's certainly in line with the 2018 and 2019, and if anything, can be thought of as a hypothetical mix of the two vintages, offering more precision and focus than the 2018 and more voluptuousness than the ethereal 2019. Gorgeous cassis and black raspberry fruits along with notes of bouquet garni, graphite, and chocolate define the bouquet, and it has some classic salty mineral nuances imparted by limestone, yet still brings an almost Pomerol-like mid-palate and density. With integrated tannins, wonderful freshness, and a great finish, I'd be thrilled to have bottles in the cellar.

Tasted by Jane Anson(at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)

Another successful vintage for La Dominique, ruby colour with violet reflections, this has the measured delivery of succulent damson and black cherry fruit, clearly gong for a gourmet-feel with grilled butterscotch and cocoa beans. It totally works - has firm tannins, cooling blue fruits and freshness through the middle, no dip in the mid palate and waves of secondary aromatics. Serious, and a clear progression of the past few vintages.

Drinking Window 2027 - 2042

Very tight and focused red from here with blackberry, iodine and stone aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with ripe tannins that are fine-grained and show length. Pretty.

The 2020 La Dominique presents a nose of red and black fruit, subtle hints of fireside ash, and even a faint hint of Christmas cake in the background, all well defined and focused. The medium-bodied palate offers a sapid entry, crisp acidity and flavors of blackberry plus touches of tobacco and smoke, maintaining fine delineation all the way through to the finish. This is a step up from recent vintages, a testament to the changes that have been implemented at the estate. La Dominique is back!

vinous.com

Displaying an opaque purple-black color, the 2020 La Dominique needs a fair bit of swirling and coaxing to unlock enticing scents of crushed black cherries, black raspberries and ripe plums, plus beguiling nuances of violets, aniseed and cedar chest, with a waft of cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly wound with loads of bright, crunchy red and black fruit layers, supported by finely grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a gorgeous array of energetic mineral sparks. A property on the upward swing, this delicately crafted, beautifully restrained expression of the vintage comes highly recommended.

85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample. Ripe, modern and generous with plenty of dark and red fruit. There’s an opulence to the palate but it’s backed by a powerful tannic frame. Tannins finely honed. Vanilla oak present but it doesn’t overwhelm the fruit. Slightly warm finish. (JL)