(an 80/20 blend of cabernet franc and merlot; 3.8 pH; 14.6% alcohol) Deep ruby. Brooding aromas of strawberry, dark chocolate, mint and smoky oak, plus a hint of volatile acidity that adds lift. Rich and sweet on entry, then increasingly austere toward the back, finishing pure and long, with captivating cabernet franc red fruit and floral notes. This wine will need time to resolve its serious tannins. Le Dome's vines are located immediately to the west of Angelus. Owner Jonathan Maltus thinks it's the best Le Dome he's made yet, and he may be right. I liked its steely purity, but it's quite tannic today and lacking in generosity.