2010 Chateau La Dominique

A near perfect amalgam of finesse and richness

Can’t afford Cheval Blanc in a great vintage? No problem ,we have you covered with their direct neighbour, La Dominique. While this wouldn't have been true a few years back, the arrival of Jean Luc Thunevin (from Ch.Valandraud) in 2007 as a consultant, has been a crucial move for the estate. Thunevin’s understanding of the region is easily on a par with that of Michel Rolland, although the former became famous as the original “Garagiste” rather than a mainstream oenologist.
Paying the respect due to this fantastic terroir at the edge of St Emilion and Pomerol, Thunevin captures all the elegance on offer in 2010 while staying clear of the temptation to overextract (a redemption from his previous experiments with Ch.Valandraud). The result bears testimony - La Dominique is clearly in good hands.

A blend of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc - pours a totally opaque inky black crimson red core with a dark crimson red black tinged hue. Perfumed aromas of ripe blackcurrants, black cherry and liquorice arise from the glass followed by nuances of earthy cedar and spice. Rich and full bodied the palate is dominated by succulent blackcurrant and black cherry flavours with some underlying liquorice supported by solidly built, slightly chewy but very fine grained tannins. Back palate flavours of cedar, earth and spice round out the finish. A near perfect amalgam of finesse and richness with a long aftertaste of blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, subtle earth and spice.
Cellar 6-8 years (2020-2022).
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews...
The 2010 is a reassuringly great example of La Dominique after some less-than-stellar performances. This has always been one of the best terroirs on the Pomerol-St.-Emilion border, just adjacent to Cheval Blanc, and the 2010 could easily be the finest wine they have made since the 1989 and 1990. The wine displays plenty of licorice, Christmas fruitcake, black currants, licorice, truffles and some espresso notes. Full-bodied, viscous and somewhat reminiscent of many 2009s, given its blast of fruit, glycerin and heady alcohol, this is a beautifully rich St.-Emilion for pleasure seekers. Don’t discount its ageability, as I am sure it has two decades ahead of it.
93
Robert Parker-The Wine Advocate

Delivers a gorgeous note of crème de cassis, followed by dark plum, anise, blackberry coulis and blueberry reduction notes. A glorious display of fruit, with well-embedded charcoal and graphite accents that help the finish drive on with authority. Should age wonderfully. A very strong showing for this estate. Best from 2016 through 2030.
94
Wine Spectator

Polished and rich nose with dark deep fruit and dense minerality. Wonderful pure ripe fruit on the palate with a long layered texture and super velvety tannins. So good to drink already now, but tannins will soften over the next four years.
94
James Suckling