2017 Ch La Dominique, St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé

92-93 points - James Suckling

This shows a solid core of fruit with lots of salt and meat character. Full to medium body and a fresh finish.

The 2017 La Dominique offers notable richness and textural depth, with a good bit of aromatic freshness that perks up the red and purplish berry fruit. Suave, silky tannins add to the wine's enticing personality. Dark cherry, plum, espresso and leather build into the super expressive, layered finish. Tasted three times.

89-92 points - Antonio Galloni vinous.com

The 2017 La Dominique was picked from 15 to 29 September at just 18hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak, less than previous years. The estate is now under the directorship of winemaker Gwendoline Lucas. It has a nicely focused bouquet that shows more elegance than recent vintages that I have been fairly critical of. Here there is more precision and more terroir expression, a tad herbaceous underneath the fruit that merely adds freshness rather than under-ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin that frame layers of red and black fruit infused with Hoisin and white pepper notes. It does not quite have the panache shown by the nose and it pulls up a little short but I have a sense of a change in direction, one that I like. It might be regarded as a work in progress but it should still drink well for a decade or more.

89-91 points - Neal Martin vinous.com