2018 Le Dome
By Le Dome
2018 Le Dome from Le Dome, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
As the vintages parade before us, each tells its own story of climatic vagaries and enological mastery. The 2018 vintage among the hallowed vineyards of Saint-Émilion carries whispers of excellence, of which the 2018 Le Dome from Le Dome takes a proud place at the vanguard.
The Embodiment of Craftsmanship and Climatic Fortune
In 2018, winemakers in Bordeaux were met with challenges that separated the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. A wet spring gave way to a glorious summer and autumn, granting the fruits a chance to reach optimum ripeness under ideal dry conditions. It is within this serendipitous harmony that the 2018 Le Dome carved its niche.
With a varietal composition heavily tilted towards Cabernet Franc—a decision lending this particular wine its air of distinction—the 2018 Le Dome shows an intriguing profile. Ripe yet refined tannins lay a firm foundation for layers of sumptuous dark fruit, spiced plum and hints of mocha, ascribed to adept oak maturation. Graceful ageing potential reveals itself in the nascent complexity of this opulent Saint-Émilion.
An Investable Vintage Awaiting Maturation's Magic
The beauty of investing in fine wines such as the 2018 Le Dome lies in their exquisite evolution—the subtle orchestration of flavours revealing new tones and textures as years glide by. Discerning collectors will note both the immediate pleasure offered by this vintage alongside its propensity for graceful ageing; a duet ensuring its standing as a prized asset.
In summation, it occupies an elegant position within an investor's portfolio, embodying both the resilience and poetry of its birth year. It is distinctly set apart by its dominion of Cabernet Franc, wrapping extraordinary weather patterns and winemaking finesse into a compelling narrative best uncorked in years to come.
Current market price
$2,000.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
66.67
Scores and tasting notes
Le Dome is from the JCP Maltus portfolio of skillfully crafted Saint-Émilion wines. Neil White is the head winemaker and Thomas Duclos is a consultant here. The 2018 Le Dome is composed of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, with a 3.82 pH and 14.3% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is a little coy in the beginning, requiring considerable coaxing to allow fragrant earth, rose hip tea, preserved plums and raspberry pie notions to emerge, giving way to notes of pencil shavings, woodsmoke and camphor. Full-bodied, firm and finely grained, the profound palate is sparked by energetic mineral and red fruit notes, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and just enough acidity to lift the very long, very fragrant finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
Le Dome is from the JCP Maltus portfolio of skillfully crafted Saint-Émilion wines. Neil White is the head winemaker and Thomas Duclos is a consultant here. The 2018 Le Dome is composed of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, with a 3.82 pH and 14.3% alcohol. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slips sensuously from the glass with beguiling scents of blackberry pie, kirsch, blueberry preserves and plum pudding, plus suggestions of menthol, rose oil, pencil shavings and fragrant earth. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers fantastic energy and freshness, featuring loads of perfumed red and black fruit layers and a firm, very finely grained texture, finishing on a lingering mineral note. Stylistically, this is one of the most elegant vintages of Le Dome that I've tasted—and I love it!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
This is buttoned down and pretty closed right now, with a reductive edge that clears in the glass. There's a ton of freshness here, alongside the slow moving power of the tannins and well knitted fruits. An accomplished, well made wine, although it's a little overbearing with its marzipan and bitter chocolate notes on the finish. This is made in the Pavie style rather than the Ausone style, that's for sure. 80% new oak for malo and maturation. 3.82pH.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
The 2018 Le Dôme is dense, powerful and packed, with stunning Cabernet Franc inflections that lend energy, nuance and tension. Black cherry, chocolate, leather, spice, espresso and menthol all build in this potent, sumptuous wine full of personality and character. There is so much to like and to look forward to. Le Dôme is often more forbidding in its youth. The 2018 is especially showy.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019
Big and juicy red here with a full body, dense and intense fruit and a long and flavorful finish. A little old-school, but impressive.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
Toasty, featuring a cocoa note mixed in with the plum, cherry and tobacco flavors. A toasty accent hangs around on the finish. Shows depth and weight, but remains a bit shy on detail. Wait and see what happens.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019