2012 Le Dôme, St Emilion
SKU #1330190
95 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. (RP)
(4/2015)
95 points
Wine Enthusiast
0 A parcel of almost 100% Cabernet Franc gives this perfumed, classy wine. It's very structured, mineral-textured and darkly dense. Powerful and concentrated, this intense wine will develop into a major statement. Drink from 2019. (RV)
(5/2015)
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck
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.
(2/2018)
94 points
Vinous
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. (AG) 94+
(1/2016)
92 points
James Suckling
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.
(2/2015)
92 points
Wine Spectator
A dense, muscular style, with dark currant, fig and black licorice 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. (JM)
(3/2015)
Decanter
More expressive than usual at this stage. Fragrant floral, dark fruit notes (Cabernet Franc 80%). Smooth and ripe on the palate. Silky tannins. Drinking Window 2020 - 2030 (JL) 17/20 points
