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+.

The 2020 La Dominique is eye-opening. Warm, dry summer weather caused natural dehydration on the vine, which in turn yielded a Dominique of unusual depth and concentration. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare, as opposed to 50 in 2019 and 46 in 2018, which seems to work so well in giving the 2020 an extra bit of everything. Even with all its richness, the 2020 remains bright and full of energy. Red-toned fruit, pomegranate, cinnamon, menthol and rose petal all open effortlessly, but it is the wine’s sheer textural resonance that impresses most. Tasted next to the 2018 and 2019, the 2020 is quite simply on another level. Harvest started on September 10 for the Merlot and wrapped up in the 30th with the Cabernets. The blend is 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Élevage is expected to be 14 months, mostly in French oak (50% new), with about 10% of the wine aged in amphora. I can’t wait to taste the 2020 from bottle. It is a superb effort from the team led by General Manager Gwendeline Lucas and Technical Director Yann Monties.

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.