critic reviews
Reserved on the nose, takes time to open up, then shows sandalwood, incense, black pepper, grilled damson, salted caramel, all wrapped up in sinewy tannins. Still young, plenty of poise to this wine, coupled with enjoyably spicy gourmet notes, and once again the dominance of Cabernet Franc kicks the aromatics up a gear, and tightens the grip through the palate. Cocoa dusting and red cherry puree makes things a little overly sweet on the finish. Neil Whyte winemaker, Jonathan Maltus owner. 80% new oak for ageing, malolactic in new oak.
The 2012 Le Dome is medium to deep garnet colored. It wafts out with evolved scents of fried herbs, stewed black tea, and figs, plus suggestions of menthol, plum preserves, and cedar. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing and chewy, with remaining hints of dried berries coming through on the finish. Drink up!
The 2012 Le Dôme has a fresh and vibrant nose, black truffle infusing the brambly red fruit, hints of black pepper and decayed leaves filtering through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of piquancy on the entry and fine acidity; it's focused with a pleasant, ferrous finish that lingers in the mouth. This is fully mature but should give another decade of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
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 color 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.