The 2018 Le Dôme is a distinguished Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from the JCP Maltus portfolio, crafted by head winemaker Neil White with consultant Thomas Duclos. Composed of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, this medium to deep garnet-purple wine is celebrated for its elegance and high Cabernet Franc expression. It offers a sensuous bouquet of blackberry pie, kirsch, blueberry preserves, and plum pudding, with nuanced hints of menthol, rose oil, pencil shavings, and fragrant earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied, delivering vibrant energy, perfumed red and black fruit layers, and a firm, finely grained texture, finishing with a lingering mineral note. Aged in 80% new French oak, it has a pH of 3.82 and showcases a refined, polished character with a smoky, flinty edge, anise, clove, and marzipan notes.

Food Pairings: Cabernet Franc’s medium body, high acidity, and herbal undertones make it versatile for pairing. The 2018 Le Dôme pairs exceptionally with roasted pork, beef stew, meatballs in tomato sauce, roasted duck, venison, or grilled lamb. It complements dishes with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary, and vegetables such as roasted red peppers, stuffed tomatoes, grilled eggplant, or mushrooms. Cheeses like feta, goat cheese, brie, or blue cheese enhance its flavors. For a classic match, pair with roast meats or rich fish like tuna, as well as Asian dishes or pasta.

Critics’ Reviews:

• Wine Advocate (97+ points): “Stylistically, this is one of the most elegant vintages of Le Dôme that I’ve tasted—and I love it! Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slips sensuously from the glass with beguiling scents… fantastic energy and freshness, featuring loads of perfumed red and black fruit layers.”
• Jeb Dunnuck (97+ points): “A beautiful wine in every sense… full-bodied, beautifully textured, seamless Cabernet Franc with loads of red currant, blueberry, and mulberry fruit as well as notes of cedary herbs, flowers, camphor, and new saddle leather. Brilliantly concentrated with ultra-fine tannins.”
• Decanter (97 points): “Imposing, with real presence and character… a lovely smoke, flinty edge alongside anise, clove, and marzipan notes. Grip and verticality through the palate.”
• Vinous (96 points): “Rich, deep, and yet also translucent, with striking depth and tons of character. Sweet black cherry, lavender, spice, and menthol lend nuance.”
• Wine Enthusiast (96 points): “A wine that celebrates Cabernet Franc… perfumed richness is profound and dense in structured black fruits. Old vines give concentration and power.”
• CellarTracker (Average 96.5 points): Community notes highlight its “intensive aromas of vanilla, blackberry, five spice, plum, spring flowers, and jam… full-bodied, polished, refined with length, complexity, and uniqueness.”

Drink Window

The 2018 Le Dôme is recommended to age for at least 4–10 years to fully reveal its nuances, with a drinking window from 2028 to 2044. It may benefit from minimal cellaring (4–6 years) but has the potential to age for 30 years or more, reaching peak maturity between 10–25 years post-vintage.