Le Dome   Le Dome

2015 Le Dome

By Le Dome

2015 Le Dome from Château Le Dome, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

In the splendid tapestry of Saint-Emilion's winemaking majesty, the 2015 Le Dome stands out as an exquisite thread woven with precision and flair. This vintage from Château Le Dome is a formidable testament to the confluence of astute viticulture and the benevolence of Bordeaux's clime. A year that etched itself into the annals of vinous history, 2015 was characterized by climatic serendipity, bestowing upon the vines a condition near divine for crafting wines with remarkable poise.

 

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Vintage

For investors and connoisseurs alike, there runs a profound intrigue in discerning the singular qualities that render the 2015 Le Dome an investable asset. The season's tempered warmth accelerated phenolic maturation, imbuing the Cabernet Franc-led blend with heightened complexities. Notes of crushed velvet-blackberry and a whispering undercurrent of anise dance decadently amongst firm tannins—a structure made resolute by the measured heat of July and August.

The alliance of merlot and cabernet franc culminates in a symphony where dark plums, cigar box, and subtle truffle nuances crescendo in harmonious balance. This Bordeaux blend achieves a finesse often strived for but seldom realized so profoundly as in this pinnacle year.

 

The Investment Potential of the Vintage

Recognising Le Dome for its ascending trajectory amidst Saint-Emilion's fêted labels, the 2015 iteration is one to behold for its cellar-worthy potential. The synthesis of depth, elegance, and vivacity is evidenced in each swirl and sip, marking it as one to observe within investment portfolios meticulously.

In summarising this intriguing elixir, it is the encapsulation of time and terroir—the silken structure and opulent fruit core—that delineates the 2015 vintage as a paragon within Le Dome's oeuvre. A fine wine indeed that shan't be overlooked by those poised to capture excellence within their cellars.

Current market price

£1,370.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

76.11

Scores and tasting notes

98

Composed of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Le Dome has a drop dead gorgeous perfume of violets, black forest cake, rose hip and red jelly with touches of lavender, spice cake and earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied and super intense with super ripe, super fine-grained tannins, wonderful freshness and a very long perfumed, mineral-laced finish.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 27 April 2018

96

There are very few wines in Bordeaux with as much Cabernet Franc as Le Dôme, and the freshness and leafy, violet-tinged perfume are gloriously apparent here. Grassy and elegant (despite the high alcohol), it’s got plenty of tannin and fruit weight but finishes with remarkable zip. Drink: 2022-35

Tim Atkin - timatkin.com

94-95

A juicy red with walnut, berry and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full and savory. Loads of fruit and chewy tannins.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com

94-96

The 2015 Le Dôme is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot picked on October 2 and 6. It has a clean and precise bouquet, tightly wound at first, gently warming up, developing more delineation and focus. This might be a more understated Le Dôme compared to recent years, but you might argue more sophisticated. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive density, a vein of dark chocolate on the entry that is rapidly overtaken by layers of lightly spiced black fruit. The finish is tightly wound at the moment, but it will open by the time of bottling. What I like here is the fineness of the tannin, something not always exuded by Mathus' top cuvée. It simply expresses the joys of Cabernet Franc and it should age nicely over the next 5-20 years.

Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016

17-

Mid crimson. Bloody flavours and with round satin tannins. Quite a statement! Just a bit thicker than perfection. I wonder how this will age? Dangerous!?

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance