Chateau La Dominique 2019

Product info about Chateau La Dominique 2019

Château La Dominique 2019 is the estate's grand vin from Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, rather than the second wine. Merlot forms the heart of the blend, supported by Cabernet Franc and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard sits in the north-west of Saint-Émilion, close to the edge of Pomerol, on soils described as clay-gravel, clay-limestone and sand over clay.

The 2019 vintage carries an extra layer of meaning for the château. Since 1969, Château La Dominique has belonged to the Fayat family, making 2019 the fiftieth vintage under their ownership. The grapes were harvested entirely by hand, followed by vinification in truncated stainless-steel vats and 14 months of maturation using new barriques, one-year-old barriques and a smaller proportion of alternative vessels such as amphorae, plant-based polymer eggs and wine globes.

At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Saint-Émilion with a clear sense of place: ripe dark fruit, structure, freshness and oak influence that supports rather than overwhelms. With only the last bottles available, it is a wine to approach thoughtfully, whether opened from the mid-2020s onward or kept for further development under good cellar conditions.

A serving temperature of 16 to 18 °C is suggested, with opening or decanting around two hours in advance. Suggested pairings include duck breast with honey, game, poultry stuffed with mushrooms and more elaborate dishes built around rich, savoury sauces.

The wine shows a garnet colour in the glass. Aromatically, it centres on black fruit and tobacco, with ripe black cherry, blackcurrant, plum and blackberry, followed by floral notes such as peony and dried flowers. Licorice, mint, chocolate, cedar, toast and a graphite or pencil-shaving nuance add further detail.

On the palate, the attack is direct before the wine broadens into a round, fleshy texture. Ripe dark fruit is supported by fresh acidity and tannins described as firm yet polished. The oak influence appears through toast, chocolate, cedar and subtle spice, without standing apart from the wine. The finish is persistent and structured.