Coming from the northwest region of the appellation, not far from Cheval Blanc, and L'L' just across the road, the 2020 Château La Dominique is another round, supple, incredibly impressive wine from this estate, which has clearly been on an upward trajectory. A blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 14 months in 50% new barrels (17% was in amphora), its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a Pomerol-like array of cassis, darker cherries, chocolate, truffly earth, and spring flowers. With medium to full-bodied richness, a round, supple, sexy mouthfeel, and beautiful tannins, it's another remarkable effort that readers will love to have in the cellar. While it offers pleasure even today, it's going to benefit from just 3-5 years of bottle age and shine over the following 15+.

A very fine La Dominique with curated and polished tannins that spread across the palate. together with plenty of berry, slate, wet-earth and spice character. Bright finish. Fine-grained. Needs time to open and come together. Try after 2027.

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.

92-94. Barrel Sample. This wine is marked by freshness with bright blackberry flavors that are lifted over the firm tannins. While this gives the wine a deceptively open character, in fact the wine's structure is all there, ready to allow it to age over many years.

Forward and succulent, with friendly blackberry cobbler and plum sauce mixed with black licorice, while a hint of baker's chocolate checks in on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2034. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 6,376 cases made.