2005 - Le Dome, Saint-Emilion

From the famous flagship estate of Jonathan Malthus, this wine normally has about 75% or more Cabernet Franc in the blend and the rest Merlot. With the great aromatic expression of the vintage, the 2005 Le Dôme offers up a smashing fireworks-like display of spring flowers, blueberries, forest floor, raspberries and cherries. Dense purple in color, medium to full-bodied, light on its feet, but super-intense and rich, this wine performed fabulously well, and is one of the superstars and profound efforts of the vintage. It is actually somewhat approachable, which is not always the case with many 2005s. Drink it over the next 20 years.

The 10th vintage of Le Dôme, and this remains dense, concentrated, intense, almost overwhelmed by fruit and tannins, still at the beginning of its evolution. Grilled sandalwood and cedar oak on the nose, then cocoa bean and espresso before getting to black cherry and damson fruit. Clear quality, a little overwhelming even at 17 years old, although coming back to it after an hour, you start to see the floral side of Cabernet Franc. A ton of estate signature, unquestionably, and evidence of just why this bottling caught the imagination of so many critics. 100% new oak.

The 2005 Le Dôme shows minor degradation on the rim. The bouquet has undeniably evolved well over the last two decades. Red plum and blackberry scents, brown spices and light savoury scents emerge with time, certainly much more classic in style than in Le Dôme’s formative years. The palate is smooth and well balanced with fine tannins, not quite as structured as some more obdurate 2005s encountered in recent months. This shows commendable finesse and delineation on a finish that exudes Cabernet Franc. Drinking perfectly now, the 2005 will offer another 12 to 15 years’ drinking pleasure.