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 has produced wines worthy of the legendary Pomerol region. Since 2011, the proportion of the estate’s top wine 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 tannic intensity, and more nuanced fruitiness.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

“The château is superbly 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 among the best, and Michel Roland is on board, with plot-by-plot vinification and micro-oxygenation as key elements. 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 elegant, with a touch of bold frankness and a smoky edge. The 2018 vintage opens with the delicate texture of silky flesh. And its rich, indulgent character—promised by its expressive fruit—is the result of skillfully handled grapes.

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 cellar, visitors 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 undertaken major changes on the advice of Julien Viaud (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 its richness and density combined with aromas of black fruit, 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 adorn this wonderfully inviting second wine. 2024–2033

James Suckling

About the wine:

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

About the estate:

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The nose does not suggest that this wine comes from a warm vintage; rather, it is characterized by freshness and notes of red berries. 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-structured. It reveals notes of wild blackberry, flowers, and subtle hints of spice, combined with a touch of fresh leather and a subtle hint of vanilla. The palate is fruity, offering juiciness, tension, freshness, a lovely mineral backbone, 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 subtle hints of licorice, flowers, toast, cardamom, and vanilla. The tannins provide structure.