Le Dôme 2020

The 2020 Le Dome is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot with an alcohol of 13.9% and a pH of 3.69. The Merlot was harvested on September 29th, with the Cabernet Franc on October 8th and 9th. It is being aged in 80% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes storming out of the glass with thunderous scents of stewed plums, blueberry preserves and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by impactful, fragrant notions of rose oil, ground cloves, eucalyptus and pencil shavings. The palate is jaw-droppingly elegant, considering the power of the nose, featuring elegantly crafted black and red fruit layers with very ripe, finely grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 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. Drink date: 2027-2057. Score – 97-99. (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, robertparker.com)