Relais de La Dominique Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This 23-hectare estate belongs to the Fayat family (Fayat in Pomerol and Clément-Pichon in the Médoc). The estate has been steadily improving, and in recent vintages it has produced wines worthy of the legendary Pomerol region. Since 2011, the percentage of grand vin has decreased from 80% to 55%, resulting in greater complexity. The proportion of Cabernet Franc is increasing, and the wine is taking on a new dimension, with a refined texture, subtle yet intense tannins, and a more nuanced fruit profile.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

“The château is remarkably situated on the outskirts of Pomerol, next to Cheval Blanc, on sandy-gravel soils over a bed of iron-rich clay; a fine introduction. After suffering frost damage in 1956, the vineyard regained its health under Clément Fayat, who purchased it in 1969. Significant investments have been made to elevate the estate to the ranks of the best, and Michel Roland is on board, employing plot-by-plot vinification and micro-oxygenation. The proportion of new barrels ranges from 50% to 70%.”

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

The fruit is graceful, set apart by its bold frankness and smoky character. The 2018 opens with the delicate, silky texture of its flesh. And its rich, indulgent character—promised by its expressive fruit—is the result of grapes that have been handled with care.

About the estate:

With its red building visible from afar, La Dominique has made a major commitment to wine tourism. From the panoramic terrace and restaurant above the wine cellar, you can look out over the neighboring vineyards on the western plateau near Pomerol. The estate (29 hectares of clay-limestone, clay-sandy, and gravel soils), owned by Corrèze-based entrepreneur Clément Fayat, has embarked on major changes following the advice of Julien Viaud (of the Rolland team): planting massal selections, using amphorae and glass eggs... For a long time, La Dominique remained in the middle of the pack within the appellation, but the stylistic evolution of this great wine has been noticeable since 2018.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

The second wine from the classified growth La Dominique captures the richness and concentration of the first wine while offering a more supple profile. With richness and density combined with aromas of dark fruits, this wine will age well and should be ready to drink starting in 2024.

Vinous

About the wine:

Relais de La Dominique 2018 is delicate, fragrant, and pleasantly spicy. Lovely floral notes, crushed red berries, and spices enhance this wonderfully inviting second wine. 2024–2033

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of sweet plum and subtle chocolate give way to a full-bodied palate with very well-integrated, refined, and slightly chewy tannins. Polished texture. A savory finish. Best enjoyed after 2023 and beyond.

About the estate:

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The nose does not suggest that the wine comes from a warm vintage; in fact, it is the freshness and notes of red berries that set it apart. On the palate, it is charming, yet also taut and vibrant. A delicious, generous, and elegant wine. A fine achievement. 2022–2028

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity, fresh, and well-balanced. It reveals notes of wild blackberry, flowers, and, more subtly, spices, combined with a hint of fresh leather and a subtle touch of vanilla. On the palate, it is fruity and offers juiciness, tension, freshness, a lovely mineral structure, and a delicate acidity. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of plump raspberry, plump and juicy blackberry, and, to a lesser extent, plump and juicy black berries, combined with subtle hints of licorice, flowers, toast, cardamom, and vanilla. The tannins provide structure.