Le Dome 2010 37.50cl

The 2010 Le Dome is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. Deep garnet colored, it opens with notions of kirsch, baked raspberries and mulberries with touches of oolong tea, cigar boxes and dried herbs. Full-bodied, it has firm, chewy tannins and a lively line defining the evolving dried berries and earthy layers, finishing on a stewed tea note. Already mature, drink it over the next 15-18 years

Lots of bright berry and mineral aromas, with flower too. Full throttle, with lots of roses and blueberries and a long, long finish. Extracted but interesting.

A burly, extracted style, with lots of roasted apple wood and mesquite flavors leading the way, followed by briary grip and slightly chewy plum, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors. Shows more heft than cut and drive, featuring scads of tobacco, ganache and loam on the finish. If cellaring can tame the chewy edges, this will become an impressive, modern-styled wine down the road. Best from 2016 through 2030. 1,000 cases made.