This almost 100% Cabernet Franc single-vineyard wine is perfumed and ripe. The velvet tannins and ripe black fruits are fine, structured and with enormous potential. The wine is generous, opulent and worthy of serious aging. Drink from 2027.

The 2014 Le Dôme was tasted directly after its lieutenant, the Vieux Château Mazerat, and to be frank I found that the latter had overtaken the Le Dôme in its slipstream. Sure, the Le Dôme comes replete with attractive black cherry, allspice and black truffle aromas, although I discerned more complexity conferred upon the Vieux Château Mazerat. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded, generous opening, quite rich and heady as usual, although the acidity keeps a rein on the things. It is a voluminous Le Dôme, but I still uphold that this would have benefited from a shorter cuvaison period.

The 2014 Le Dôme has a smooth red cherry, raspberry and crushed strawberry bouquet, just a hint of Asian spice, the oak nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, lightly spiced with fine tannin and a harmonious, quite persistent finish. This is a very commendable, quite delicious Le Dôme from Jonathan Maltus. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

This has a pronounced tobacco leaf note out front, backed by a solid core of black cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit. Shows a loamy hint on the broad, smoldering finish, where a light chalk echo adds range and cut. Best from 2020 through 2028. 500 cases made.