Chateau Le Dome 2012

Type: Red Wine      Volume: 750ml

Winery: Chateau Le Dome

Country: France     Region: Bordeaux

District: St Emilion Grand Cru

Grapes Varieties: 80% Cabernet Franc

Classification: St Emilion Grand Cru     Production: 1000 cases

Alcohol: 13.5% abv     Packing: Original Wooden Case of 6 bottles

Ratings and Tasting Notes:

AG=94+ The Cabernet Franc-based 2012 Le Dôme is the most reticent and inward of Jonathan Maltus's 2012s. Readers will find very little of the vintage's early appeal here. Instead, Le Dôme is a big, dramatic wine that is likely to require at least a few years in bottle to come together. A host of dark cherry, plum and smoke notes gradually emerge in the glass, but the 2012 needs time. The only question is how much. Still, I am quite drawn by this fabulous Saint-Emilion that touches Angelus on one side and Canon on the others.

WA=93 This St.-Emilion (1,000 cases), which has a very high percentage of Cabernet Franc (80%, which is much higher than Cheval Blanc or Ausone) has always been the flagship wine of proprietor Jonathan Malthus. The 2012 has a dense ruby/purple colour and plenty of raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with spring flower garden notes, which are followed by a medium-bodied wine with stunning elegance, purity and minerality. It is not the biggest wine, but the quality of the fruit, the complex nuances, and overall equilibrium make for a very special Bordeaux to drink over the next 15 or so years.

WS=92 A dense, muscular style, with dark currant, fig and black liquorice notes stretching out over a loamy base. The backdrop has lots of maduro tobacco and a hint of worn leather. Rather powerful for the vintage, this has a ways to go before settling in fully. Best from 2018 through 2028.

JS=92 Intense aromas of ripe strawberries with cedar and mineral notes. This is a full-bodied red combining gentle tannins, good acidity and a clean finish. Balanced and pretty. 80% cabernet franc and the rest is merlot. Drink in 2018.