Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château La Dominique - 2016

Château La Dominique 2016 hails from the renowned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations on the Right Bank. The wine is predominantly crafted from Merlot, the quintessential grape of Saint-Émilion, typically blended with Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 vintage was marked by an ideal balance of warmth, sunshine, and timely rainfall, resulting in grapes with optimal ripeness and vibrant acidity. Château La Dominique is known for meticulous vineyard management and precise vinification, utilising both tradition and innovation to express the character of its exceptional clay and gravel soils. The result is a deeply coloured, complex red, often revealing aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, and black cherry, interwoven with hints of cedar, toast, and subtle spices from thoughtful oak ageing.

Saint-Émilion, located on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, enjoys a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Dordogne River. The mixture of clay, limestone, and gravel soils imparts both richness and finesse to the wines, making them some of the most age-worthy in Bordeaux. With a viticultural tradition dating back to Roman times, Saint-Émilion boasts a rich heritage and was the first wine region to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historic vineyard landscape and medieval village atmosphere. The wines from Grand Cru properties like Château La Dominique typically offer both immediate pleasure in youth and great potential for cellaring.

For food pairings, this wine’s depth and structure shine alongside classic French dishes. Traditional options include roast lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, duck magret, or entrecôte à la bordelaise (rib steak in red wine sauce). Earthy mushrooms, truffle risotto, and aged cheeses such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire also make excellent companions. You may also explore local regional specialties like cannelés for a surprising sweet-savoury meeting.

To fully appreciate Château La Dominique 2016, serve at 16-18°C after decanting for at least one hour. This allows the bouquet to open up and the tannins to soften, revealing the full complexity and elegance of this esteemed Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.