2019 Domeyne
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Tasting notes
60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from a 9-ha property on clay-gravel soils. Made with the help of consultant oenologists Eric Boissenot and Marco Balsimelli. Matured for 12 months in oak barrels (20% new). Mid crimson. Mellow Merlot-dominated wine with counsel from Boissenot and team. A hint of animal and not the most typical wine from this appellation – a bit fruitier – but not too expensive. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,245 g. 40-year-old (on average) 60% Merlot on clay and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon on deep gravel. From Vincent Ginestet with Boissenet consulting. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels (20% new) . Mentions of fashionable biodiversity and a specific reference to 18 months in oak barrels on the back label, though it's 12 on the tech spec. Mid garnet. Well-behaved wine with excellent balance and ripe fruit. Fresh acidity rather than dry tannins are the dominant impression. Good length. It's clear this is not classed growth level and there's a hint of cordite about it. Very respectable, unusually early-drinking St-Estèphe. But in this collection of bordeaux assembled by Haynes Hanson & Clark in April 2024, it's just outshone by the Ch Ferran 2019 for value. (JR)
The 2019 Domeyne does not show so many of the overripe notes that I remarked upon from barrel, though it does lack a little energy. The palate is sweet and candied, lightly grippy and rather monotone on the finish.
Bright ruby red colour, touch of reduction on the first nose so make sure you decant this for an hour at least. Berry fruits dominant on the attack, this is enjoyable and well balanced, if austere with gorgeous crushed mint leaf on the finish. Owned by Vincent Ginestet since 2018, brought from Gonzague and Claire Lurton and in organic conversion.