Le Dome, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2025
As ever, Le Dome is the most singular expression of Cabernet Franc from Bordeaux. Made from a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, the 2025 is cool and aloof, boasting aromas of blackcurrants, plum, brambles and garrigue and suggestions of blueberry. Super linear and saline. There's no evidence of the heat of the vintage. On the palate there are waves of dark berry fruit interspersed with clove, cacao nib and all spice with a little sous bois. The Merlot adds weight but the Cabernet Franc has a leafy delicacy that adds a lightness. A very smart, grippy, salty Le Dome.
critic reviews
The 2025 Le Dôme is matured in 80% new French oak. This has a well-defined bouquet with black cherries, licorice and light damson scents, just a touch of bell pepper in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine cohesion, lightly spiced and with a tangy, chalky finish. Again, it should flesh out a little through its élevage, indeed, it gains succulence during a long discussion with owner Jonathan Malthus about the Rolling Stones.
Intense cocoa bean and liquorice, olive pit, cassis, bilberry, crushed rocks, iris flowers, concentrated, a ton of liquorice and muscular layers and inky depths. Estate signature, impressive potential. 80% new oak, 3.88 pH, Thomas Duclos consultant. Harvest September 15-19. Jonathan Maltus co-owner.