Le Dome, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2014
Jonathan Maltus' flagship estate, situated next to Angelus is one of the most unique wines from Bordeaux. The 2014 is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. For the uninitiated who might think that this is an unusual blend which reflects the success of Cabernet Franc in this vintage, this is just how the vineyards are planted! The Merlots were picked on the 13th of October and the Cabernet Franc on the 17th of October, but there is no sense of over ripeness. Far from it, this has wonderful tension and tautness to the fruit. Initially floral, with hints of incense, toast, and wild bramble liqueur, the palate evolves into a perfumed melting pot of silky red berry fruit and crème de mûre. It's really rather regal and beautiful and displays a classical restraint and grip. A beautifully balanced and refined Le Dome!
critic reviews
Vivid ruby, edges of grilled caramel and rich brambled fruits, muscular, as I very much remember during En Primeur, but on the precipice of softening. As it opens, you get waves of campfire, grilled damson, plenty of kick, well controlled and far less overpowering than I felt in the early years. These are wines that have heightened emotion, heightened extraction, heightened glamour, and need time to soften, unless you are really looking for a jolt of power. Neil Whyte winemaker, Jonathan Maltus owner. 80% new oak for ageing, malolactic in new oak.