Domaine du Chay 2018

Welcome to Domaine du Chay. Located in Etauliers, just north of the Gironde River, the estate boasts 13 hectares of vineyards (tiny by wine production standards). Their flagship red marries Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc (10%) and hails from Bordeaux’s glorious 2018 vintage. Left unoaked to allow its pure fruit flavors to shine, it boasts layers of ripe red fruit plus a pair of prestigious gold medals.

Bordeaux’s 2018 vintage was near perfect—an extra-long harvest season allowed the fruit to ripen and develop richer, more complex flavor. “2018 is unquestionably an extraordinary vintage,” writes Master of Wine Julia Harding. And Bloomberg reports that “the best wines are exceptional: concentrated, layered, velvet- and silk-textured, pure and succulent.”

Domaine du Chay’s pure fruit flavors, soft tannins, and trademark streak of freshness make it an ideal wine to pair with food. Try this rich red with roasted meats like garlicky lamb chops or beef tenderloin. It’ll be equally delicious with poultry, such as duck confit or grilled dark-meat chicken, or with hearty vegetarian mains, such as mushroom risotto.