2012 Le Dôme Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 750 ml

Robert Parker’s Perfect 100-Point Follow-Up

On the heels of Robert Parker’s perfect 100-point 2010 Le Dôme ($450), he calls the 2012 a “very special Bordeaux,” which at $89, offers an exceptional value. Acclaimed winemaker Jonathan Maltus produces just 1,000 cases of Le Dôme each year from a tiny, 8-acre vineyard next door to Château Angélus. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2012 Le Dôme 95 points, contending that “this intense wine will develop into a major statement.” Direct from the cellar in Saint-Émilion — guaranteeing perfect condition and provenance.

The “vins de garage” of Saint-Émilion are some of the most sought after and elusive cuvees in the world. And this 2012 is a lesson in class, concentration, and power, reminiscent of Cheval Blanc given its composition: a high proportion of Cabernet Franc supplemented with old-vine Merlot.

Next door to Saint-Émilion’s Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) Château Angélus — Le Dôme’s 8-acre vineyard shares a similar sand over layers of limestone and iron. Vines rooted in these soils yield full-bodied and concentrated wines, silken and velvety in texture, packed with black fruits, and notes of anise, cinnamon, cloves and truffle; these wines age extremely well.

In the garagiste movement, and particularly at Le Dôme, vintners practically sleep amongst the vines, tending them as they would their children. At Le Dôme, three runs of green harvests typically remove all but four intensely concentrated clusters of Cabernet Franc from vines which would normally produce as many as 10. Careful pruning of canopies exposes clusters to more sunlight, abetting ripening and enhancing the deep fruit characteristics of the wine. In the cellar, only new oak is used, imparting lavish toast to the wine’s fantastic opulence.