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Nestled in the captivating northwest of Saint-Émilion, at the edge of the prestigious Pomerol appellation, Château La Dominique's 71-acre vineyard holds a privileged spot. Adjacent to renowned vineyards like Cheval Blanc, Figeac, La Conseillante, and L'Evangile, this vineyard benefits from a remarkable terroir that speaks volumes through its vines.

Chateau La Dominique dates back to the 1700s. The estate's name is a nod to an island in the Caribbean, where the original owner, Dominique, earned his fortune. Acquired by the Fayat family in 1969, the estate found new purpose and vigor under their care, marking the beginning of an era filled with transformation and excellence.

Clement Fayat, a visionary who built a construction empire from humble beginnings as a bricklayer, brought his expertise and passion to the world of wine. Over two decades, he meticulously revitalized Chateau La Dominique. With meticulous planning, modern infrastructure, and a keen focus on enhancing the vineyards, Fayat's touch is evident in every bottle.

In 2007, the estate welcomed Jean-Luc Thunevin as a consultant, a turning point that propelled Chateau La Dominique's quality to new heights. Fayat's holdings also include Chateau Fayat in Pomerol and Clement Pichon in the Haut Medoc appellation. A recent addition, Vieux Fortin in St. Emilion, expanded the estate's potential even further.

Rooted in deep gravel over clay with sandy nuances, the vineyard sprawls across gentle, sloping hills that ascend to 44 meters at their pinnacle. This setting resonates with its prestigious neighbor, Chateau Cheval Blanc, and the refined elegance in the wines echoes the affinity. As if by design, the finest parcels of La Dominique lie alongside Cheval Blanc, a testament to their shared excellence.

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 97 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A beautiful vintage. Merlot berries were small and concentrated; Cabernet Franc also relished the conditions. Wines are very aromatic and sleek, with Pomerol and St.-Emilion excelling"

88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2022 Château La Dominique might be the finest I've tasted from this estate. Located in the northern part of Saint-Emilion, not far from Cheval Blanc as well as the Pomerol border, with plenty of clay in the soils, it's based on 88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, raised in 50% new barrels. Gorgeous darker currant and black cherry fruit, chocolate, leafy herbs, and a Pomerol-like damp earth character all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has incredible purity, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's a gorgeously textured, seamless, balanced Saint-Emilion that already offers pleasure yet has a solid two decades of prime drinking ahead of it. Bravo. ~97 Jeb Dunnuck

Lead pencil, blackberry, thyme and violet aromas follow through to a full body with lots of tannins and a juicy finish. This needs some time to soften. A tannic and structured wine that will come together with time in the bottle. Best after 2029. ~95 James Suckling

Deep ruby colour, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Dark wild berries, fresh plums and cherries, orange zest is underlying, fine oak touch. Juicy on the palate with good complexity, sweet cherries, fine acidity, elegant and lasting, shows length and certain ageing potential. ~95 Falstaff

Flowers, black cherries, black raspberries, wet earth, forest herbs, and a touch of crushed stone opens the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, silky, fresh, and more importantly, the fruits express purity. The wine has lift, vivacity, spices and dark chocolate that accents the fruits. Not the most concentrated wine of the vintage, instead you find elegance, length and precision. The wine blends 88% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 15% ABV, 3.7 pH. The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak, and 10% amphora.  ~95 The Wine Cellar Insider

The 2022 La Dominique has a more generous bouquet than when I tasted it from barrel, featuring finely delineated black cherry, kirsch, orange pith and blue fruit aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, but there is welcome restraint and plenty of structure. Its dark chocolate patina on the finish will be absorbed with time. This is excellent. ~94 Vinous Media

Plump ruby red in colour, lovely welcoming brambled fruit on the nose, plenty of dark cocoa bean and espresso character, but met at every point by a mandarin peel and lime zest character that adds interest and freshness. This is good quality, has the exuberance and spice of the vintage for sure but well handled. Vinified in stainless steel, aged in 50% new oak barrels, 40% one year old barrels and 10% in eggs, amphoras and wine globes. 38hl/h yield, Fayat family owners. ~94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

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