2012 Le Dome
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
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.
Tasted blind. Mid ruby. Some real development on the nose here. But acid trumps fruit on the end, pretty drying finish. (JR)
I loved the 2012 Le Dôme, which is an unusual blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and the balance Merlot. Sporting a vibrant purple color and terrific notes of blue fruits, chocolate, forest floor and spice, it has an elegant yet also concentrated, powerful style on the palate that carries vibrant acidity, beautiful purity of fruit, and enough tannin to warrant another 2-3 years of bottle age. It will drink nicely for 15-20 years.
About the producer
The man behind highly regarded Saint-Émilion wine Le Dôme is a Nigerian-born Brit who sold his engineering firm in 1992 to move to Cahors and restore a pile of ruins. After meeting a local vineyard owner at a dinner party, he ended up selling his production to Oddbins and was caught by the wine bug.