2011 La Dominique

An excellent moment to begin drinking this wine, well-integrated with fine melted tannins, raspberry puree and plum fruits, a touch of crème de mure, and a restrained elegant feel overall, sappy and fresh lick of acidity on the finish. 50% new oak. Michel Rolland consultant, Yannick Evenou director.

The 2011 La Dominique has an impressive bouquet for a 2010. In fact, it might be even better with blackberry, raspberry, a touch of graphite and fresh mint that really gathers momentum in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, plenty of red berry fruit mixed with game and allspice, fanning out gently towards the finish. This could be the dark horse of Saint-Émilion in this vintage. Tasted at the vertical tasting at La Dominique.

Dark and inky. Very little aroma. Savoury and dark and cool on the palate. Compact but rounded tannins, all a bit tied up at the moment but it's balanced in a powerhouse sort of way and fresh and finishes with juicy fruit. Big and burly but full of flavour. (JH)