Le Dome   Le Dome

1996 Le Dome

By Le Dome

1996 Le Dome from Le Dome, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

Immersed within the renowned Bordeaux region, the 1996 Le Dome from Le Dome represents a beacon of refined viticulture from the illustrious Saint-Emilion terroir. This vintage, emerging from a challenging season punctuated by meteorological whimsy, underscores the resilient character one expects from an esteemed château. A year marked by climatic capriciousness, ranging from a timid spring to a tumultuous autumn harvest, bestowed upon this libation a narrative as intricate as its flavour profile.

 

Genteel Maturation: A Testament to Saint-Emilion's Resilience

The genesis of the 1996 vintage bore witness to the ethereal fragility of Bordeaux's nature. Yet, it is precisely this very fickleness that has sculpted the 1996 Le Dome into an opus of complexity encompassing both grace and gravitas. Investment savvy enthusiasts have often lauded Saint-Emilion vintages for their ageing potential, with 1996 standing testament to such longevity and fortitude.

 

The Essence of '96: A Sip Through Time

The distinguishing palatal tapestry of the 1996 Le Dome articulates notes of blackcurrant confit, laced with undertones of truffle and antique leather, all subtly enhanced bya whisper of violet. A nonpareil example of balance; the tannic structure serves to embrace, rather than overwhelm, the mélange of savoury and fruit elements that are hallmarked in this extraordinary vintage. The careful orchestration of vinification techniques at Le Dome has deftly captured and preserved these notes in their enigmatic dance through time.

For those whose portfolios gleam with vinous jewels, the inclusion of the 1996 Le Dome is akin to securing a treasured piece of Saint-Emilion's lineage. As this vintage matures gracefully within cellared cloisters, it beckons with an allure that melds both historical reverence and contemporary anticipation.

 

An Enticing Treasury for Collectors and Connoisseurs

As I revisit this vintage for my astute audience at Cult Wines, it strikes me that the story of the 1996 Le Dome is one steeped in resilience and triumph over terroir trials. Each bottle encapsulates the essence of its birth year's challenges but reveals how expertly navigated adversity can result in a narratively rich and sensorial delight. Reflecting on investment potential and characterful depth, one cannot help but acknowledge that this particular vintage is one deserving a venerable place amongst oenophilic ventures—one where both palate pleasure and portfolio pragmatism converge beguilingly.

Current market price

£1,010.00

12x75cl

Highest score

91

POP score

91.82

Scores and tasting notes

91

Now here is an intriguing wine to revisit after 20 years -- 1996 Le Dome. This was Jonathan Maltus's first vintage and I remember tasting it just after bottling at the first press showing of his UK importer. I was impressed back then, though this was many years before its current acclaim, so it was then just a personal view. "We didn’t have wooden vats until the following year as the acquisition," Jonathan told me via e-mail. "Green harvesting and harvesting happened pretty late in the year. To replicate them we did all of the remontages through five new barrels on rotation." After two decades, hats off to a Saint Emilion that I suspect is giving more pleasure than many of its Right Bank peers. What I appreciate is that the Cabernet Franc character is not hidden away on the nose, with attractive graphite and bell pepper scents entwined with the red and black fruit, a subtle sea influence emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine thread of acidity, the tannins having softened in recent years, perhaps a little angular as Cabernet Franc can sometimes be. Observing over one hour it actually improved in the glass, gaining harmony and while never troubling the top echelons of my scoring scale, it was just a mature Saint Emilion that is continuing to give drinking pleasure. Perhaps I was a bit too rapturous when this fledgling taster first encountered this garagiste for the first time, nevertheless, my enthusiasm was directed in the right place. Tasted August 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016

Vintage performance