(JD 95-97 points) The 2020 Château La Dominique is a normal blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. It's certainly in line with the 2018 and 2019, and if anything, can be thought of as a hypothetical mix of the two vintages, offering more precision and focus than the 2018 and more voluptuousness than the ethereal 2019. Gorgeous cassis and black raspberry fruits along with notes of bouquet garni, graphite, and chocolate define the bouquet, and it has some classic salty mineral nuances imparted by limestone, yet still brings an almost Pomerol-like mid-palate and density. With integrated tannins, wonderful freshness, and a great finish, I'd be thrilled to have bottles in the cellar.

Lovely rich aromatic expression on the nose, so fragrant and full. Sleek and streamlined, a gorgeous texture, confident but charming, silky with a soft grip from the tannins but really well integrated with dark bramble fruits, liquorice and stone elements. It feels as if it's a little shy right now, not really giving its full expression but this stands out for the excellent acidity and purity of fruit. Well detailed and nuanced with toasted oak, tobacco and clove. Confident winemaking on show.

Sleek dark cocoa bean, liqourice, violet, cassis, damson and black cherry fruit, with succulent edges of grilled cedar and tobacco. This is a great wine in the vintage, one of the real stars of St Emilion. Tasted twice, thoroughly impressed with the quality, texture, weight and lift of this wine. Director Gwendaline Lucas, Julien Viaud consultant, 25ha estate. An upscore from En Primeur

The 2020 La Dominique is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Dark and sumptuous in the glass, the 2020 is racy and wonderfully sleek right out of the gate. Dark cherry, gravel, spice, dried flowers and espresso lend shades of darkness to this deep, wonderfully plush La Dominique. Superb. -- Antonio Galloni

The perfume, with its white and red flowers, cherries, licorice, smoke, espresso and smoke is gorgeous. Medium-bodied, soft, silky and fresh, the wine provides layers of vibrant, sweet, clean, pure, red pit fruits, black plums, earth, roasted coffee, smoke and chocolate on the palate, which is perfect for its elegant stylings. This is clearly a top vintage for La Dominique. Drink from 2025-2050. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2020%20La%20Dominique

(WA 92-94+ points) 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. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

(WE 92–94 points) 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. - Roger Voss

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.   – JM