Robert Parker, in Bottle Tasting
POINTS 94 : I’m not sure you can still call this the flagship wine of proprietor Jonathan Maltus given the other top wines he’s producing. Le Dome, which is dominated by an incredibly high percentage of Cabernet Franc (80%) and the balance Merlot (20%), is a special effort that must be tasted to be believed. The 2011 boasts gorgeously juicy blue, red and black fruits intermixed with floral and spice aromas. This supple, velvety-textured, opulent, medium to full-bodied, ethereal St.-Emilion is another stunning effort. It is amazing how well Maltus does whether the vintage provides great raw materials, or if he is confronted with more difficult challenges as he was in 2011. Drink this brilliant effort over the next 10-15 years.
Robert Parker
POINTS 94-96. Proprietor Jonathan Maltus produced 1,000 cases of this phenomenal 2011. A blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, this backward, slightly unformed St.-Emilion is bursting with exciting potential. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by notes of wet steel, lead pencil shavings, Asian spice, spring flowers, blueberries and black raspberries. While the aromatics are suppressed, the flavors explode across the palate with thrilling intensity and purity. This should be a remarkable success story in this vintage, which has been somewhat forgotten as it follows the great years of 2009 and 2010. Give the 2011 5-6 years of cellaring in order to develop more aromatic complexity, and drink it over the following two decades.
Wine Spectator
POINTS 90–93. This has some good flesh, with a succulent edge to the boysenberry and fig flavors, backed by mocha and anise on the finish. Offers a thick feel, but isn't heavy in the end. This should stretch out nicely.—J.M.
Jane Anson, South China Morning Post
POINTS 95 Plots by Canon, Angelus, sand over crasse de fer, next to three premiers. 80 %cab franc, 20% merlot, the percentage of franc has been this high since 2007. Gorgeous colour, glass staining, rich. This is seriously good. Beautifully fresh, and with serious persistency. 13.10%ABV. 1000 cases. 30 hl/h.
Decanter
FOUR STARS Deep colour. Characteristically fresh, fragrant and long (80% Cabernet Franc). Tight, powerful, tannic frame. A touch less elegance than seen lately. Drink 2018-2030. (17.5 points)
Winedoctor
POINTS 16.5-17.5/20. Mostly Cabernet Franc here (80% of the vineyard is dedicated to this variety), the rest old-vine Merlot. A dark and dense hue. The aromatics have a floral purity to them which appeals, white flower petals coming out ahead of the darker fruit tones. The palate begins in a supple and controlled fashion, gentle and almost unassuming, but as the texture plays out on the palate the tannins that lie underneath make themselves known. They are ripe, concentrated, broad but very taut, powerful but integrated and fine. This is an impressive wine with excellent integration and a long, tannic finish. And the texture is so supple and integrated, laid so finely over the tannins.
Tim Atkin MW
Le Dôme POINTS 94. Englishman Jonathan Maltus’ garage red has an unusually high percentage of Cabernet Franc for Bordeaux, and the freshness and perfume are wonderfully apparent here. Sweet ginger bread and vanilla on the nose, with plush, textured notes of black fruits and molasses on the palate. Concentrated, yet supple, with very fine tannins and a finish that lingers on the palate. Very seductive. 8+ years.
Stephen Tanzer's Int. Wine Cellar
POINTS 91-94.(80% cabernet franc and 20% merlot): Very deep ruby. Initially brooding aromas of red cherry, strawberry jam, flowers and white pepper; this really began to express itself with air. Then smooth, rich and highly perfumed in the mouth, with enticing red fruit and mineral flavors leading to silky-sweet tannins. The finish is complex and multilayered, with a very slight hint of cabernet franc leafiness that adds to the wine's appeal. Incidentally, the cab franc on this site was planted in 1956 in response to the merlot shortage due to the severe frost earlier that year. An excellent Le Dome, but for the money, I'd go with Vieux Chateau Mazerat or Le Carré this year from Jonathan Maltus's very impressive line-up of 2011 wines.
Wine Enthusiast
POINTS 92–94. While the wood is prominent, so is its concentrated, perfumed fruit. With its immense structure, this wine is spicy and very intense. —R.V.
Wine Enthusiast in Bottle
94 POINTS : This elegant and expressive wine shows perfumed Cabernet Franc flavors that come from the black fruits and concentrated tannins. It is full of ripe fruit, although the stylish nature of the wine dominates. Drink from 2018. —R.V
