Relais de La Dominique Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018 - Second vin
92/100
James Suckling
92/100
RVF
92/100
Wine Enthusiast
90/100
Yves Beck
90/100
Vinous
90/100
Vert de Vin
"100% Merlot!"
"The nose does not suggest that the wine comes from a warm vintage; in fact, it is distinguished by its freshness and notes of red berries. On the palate, it is charming but also tense and vibrant. A delicious, generous, and distinguished wine. A great success." (Yves Beck 2021)
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Eye
Intense garnet color, brilliant
Nose
Aromas of red fruits and spices, seductive bouquet, notes of blackberry, raspberry, licorice
Mouth
Very fresh, delicious, balanced finish with a lovely spicy note.
Serve
At 17-18°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2023
Drink before
2033
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with duck tenderloin, truffle brie, chocolate tart...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2022 guide) 3 stars (High-quality production, serving as a benchmark in its sector)
About the estate:
This 23-hectare estate belongs to the Fayat family (Fayat in Pomerol and Clément-Pichon in Médoc). Constantly improving, the vineyard has produced wines worthy of the legendary Pomerol plateau in recent vintages. Since 2011, the percentage of grand vin has fallen from 80% to 55%, gaining in complexity. The percentage of Cabernet Franc is increasing and the vintage is taking on a new dimension with a finesse of grain and a subtle tannic intensity and more nuanced fruitiness.
Guide des Vins Gault & Millau
4-star rated estate (Very high quality production)
About the estate:
The château is remarkably located on the edge of Pomerol, next to Cheval Blanc, on sandy-gravelly soils with an iron-rich subsoil; a fine introduction. Victim of frost in 1956, the vineyard was restored to health by Clément Fayat, who bought it in 1969. Major investments were made to raise the estate to the highest level, and Michel Roland joined the team, introducing plot-by-plot vinification and micro-oxygenation. Between 50% and 70% of the barrels are new."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92/100
Rated estate (2022 guide) Selected (Please note that this guide is a ranking and, as such, all the estates listed in it, even those without stars, represent, in our opinion, the excellence of French production.)
About wine:
The fruit is graceful, tempered by a bold frankness and a smoky gaze. The 2018 vintage opens with the delicacy of silky flesh. And its deliciousness, promised by talkative fruit, is the result of well-treated grapes.
About the estate:
With its red building visible from afar, La Dominique has invested heavily in wine tourism. From the panoramic terrace/restaurant above the cellar, you can see the neighbors on the western plateau near Pomerol. The estate (29 hectares of clay-limestone, clay-sand and gravel soils), which belongs to Corrèze entrepreneur Clément Fayat, has undergone major changes on the advice of Julien Viaud (Rolland team): planting of massal selections, use of amphorae and glass eggs... For a long time, La Dominique remained in the middle of the appellation, but the stylistic evolution of the grand vin has been noticeable since 2018.
Wine Enthusiast
Wine rated (2021 guide) 92/100
About wine:
The second wine of the La Dominique classified growth echoes the richness and concentration of the grand vin, while offering a more supple profile. With its richness and density combined with black fruit aromas, this wine will develop well and should be ready to drink from 2024.
Vinous
Wine rated (2021 guide) 90/100
About wine:
Relais de La Dominique 2018 is delicate, fragrant, and nicely spiced. Pretty floral accents, crushed red berries, and spices adorn this wonderfully inviting second wine. 2024–2033
James Suckling
Wine rated (2021 guide) 92/100
Rated Recommended
About wine:
Aromas of sweet plum and light chocolate lead to a full-bodied palate with very well-crafted, fine, and slightly chewy tannins. Polished texture. Savory finish. Drink after 2023 and beyond.
About the estate:
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2021 guide) 90/100
About wine:
The nose does not suggest that the wine comes from a warm vintage; in fact, it is distinguished by its freshness and notes of red berries. On the palate, it is charming but also tense and vibrant. A delicious, generous, and distinguished wine. A great success. 2022-2028
Vert de Vin
Wine rated (2019 guide) 90/100 (Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche)
About wine:
The nose is fruity, fresh, and well-balanced. It reveals notes of wild blackberry, flowers, and a hint of spice, combined with a touch of fresh leather and a subtle hint of vanilla. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, tension, freshness, a lovely mineral structure, and a delicate acidity. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy raspberry, fleshy/juicy blackberry and, more subtly, fleshy/juicy black berries, combined with delicate hints of licorice, flowers, toast, cardamom and vanilla. The tannins provide structure.
Customer rating
5/5
based on 1 review
Note and opinion by Mr. GILBERT R. Published on 09/18/2023
See all reviews from this customer
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