2003 Le Dome, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

The final blend for the 2003 Le Dome was 73% Cabernet Franc and 27% Merlot. This is another shockingly great 2003 that is close to full maturity. It reveals a brilliant combination of power and complexity. The deep plum/garnet color shows no lightening, and the wine exhibits supple tannins, a voluptuous texture, and notes of forest floor, blueberries, raspberries and mulberries. Ripe, but not over-the-top, this offering was aged in 100% new oak, but you would never know that given the fact that any evidence of oak has been pushed to the background except for a trace of espresso. This brilliant, impeccably made wine is a spectacular success in this vintage. It should drink well for 6-10 more years.

Good deep red color. Sappy aromas of red fruit liqueur, violet and tobacco leaf. Sweet on entry, then broad, concentrated and quite dry in the middle palate, with flavors of currant, tobacco leaf and oak. Will merit a score at the top of my projected range if it fills in with elevage The flavors are uncompromisingly dry, but the tannins are fine.