CHÂTEAU LE DÔME

The Le Dome has a soft, slightly smudged bouquet with macerated black cherries, blueberry and a hint of dark chocolate with well integrated oak. The palate is full-bodied and demonstrates good fruit concentration – thick, sinewy tannins with a long, spherical, modern finish with a long white pepper tinged aftertaste. It will need several years in bottle before it even considers entering the drinking plateau. Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2013)

The 2012 exhibits a deep purple color along with abundant aromas of blueberries, mulberries, spring flowers, white chocolate and spice. This supple-textured, medium to full-bodied wine has finesse, but it does not sacrifice any concentration, depth or length. Drink it over the next 15+ years. There are approximately 1,000 cases of the 2012 Le Dome, which includes one of the highest percentages of Cabernet Franc of any Bordeaux wine (80%). While harvested between October 8 and 18, the heavy rain that occurred has not diluted this beautifully scented and layered St.-Emilion. 2013 - 2028 Rating: 92-94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2013)

Englishman Jonathan Maltus’ garage red doesn’t have the best terroir in St Emilion, but what he terms “the world’s most expensive Cabernet Franc” (with a dollop of Merlot for good measure) is another impressive release, as it was in 2011. Tannic, rich and dense, with hints of liquorice, smoke and black plums. Drink: 2020-30 Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2013)