Le Dome – The Ultimate Bordeaux Outsider Tasting

This exclusive wine tasting organized by Decanter in the heart of London was a revelation in many ways. At the forefront was the presentation of a collection of wines from Chateau Mazerat and Le Dome, Saint Emilion Grand Cru.

Let’s delve into each wine, providing a detailed review of these exceptional vintages.

Chateau Mazerat, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2008  ($115 – rating: 4.6 / 5.0)

Elegantly aged, the 2008 Chateau Mazerat was a delightful experience. On the nose, a beautiful bouquet of blackberries, ripe red plums, and subtle cigar box notes were evident, a tribute to the wine’s maturity. The palate was layered with smooth tannins and interwoven dark fruit flavours. The finish was long, revealing hints of spices and truffles. Truly a memorable wine.

Chateau Mazerat, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2010  ($115 – rating: 4.6 / 5.0)

The 2010 vintage was characterized by its outstanding structure and depth. A complex nose of dark cherries, vanilla, and leather suggested a wine at the peak of its performance. On the palate, blackcurrant and cedar flavours were prominent, underscored by firm but polished tannins. The finish was profoundly persistent, making for a wine that left an indelible impression.

Chateau Mazerat, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2011  ($63 – rating: 4.6 / 5.0)

With a brilliant ruby hue, the 2011 offered an aromatic array of crushed violets, black fruits, and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine provided a balance of acidity and velvety tannins, complemented by flavours of ripe cherries and a hint of mocha. An enduring finish, coupled with a vibrant fruit profile, made this a standout among its peers.

Chateau Mazerat, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2012  ($123 – rating: 4.7 / 5.0)

The 2012 vintage was a testament to a great year in Bordeaux. Intense aromas of dark fruits, spices, and a hint of graphite captivated the senses. It was exceptionally balanced on the palate, with a marriage of rich blackberry and cassis flavours, accentuated by fine-grained tannins. The wine’s lengthy finish was garnished with a whisper of dark chocolate, making it a particularly memorable tasting.

Le Dome, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2011 ($222 – rating: 4.5 / 5.0)

The 2011 Le Dome exhibited a broad range of mature characteristics. On the nose, there was a potent fusion of dark fruits, truffle, and a touch of liquorice. The palate followed suit, presenting a chorus of plum, blackcurrant, and a touch of earthiness. The tannins were rounded and well-integrated, leading to a warm, lingering finish.

Le Dome, Saint Emilion Grand 2012 ($231 – rating: 4.4 / 5.0)

This vintage brought forth a bright aromatic profile of ripe cherries, fresh herbs, and a touch of smoky minerality. On the palate, the wine was medium-bodied with supple tannins and a good balance between red fruit flavours and earthy undertones. The finish was long, nuanced, and carried a pleasing hint of oak.

Le Dome, Saint Emilion Grand 2013 ($229 – rating: 4.3 / 5.0)

The 2013 showed signs of its challenging year, yet still managed to deliver an impressive performance. The nose was layered with black fruits, savoury herbs, and a subtle hint of tobacco. The palate was medium-bodied, with ripe tannins and a good concentration of black cherry and currant flavours. A slightly shorter finish than its counterparts, but still enjoyable.

Le Dome, Saint Emilion Grand 2016 ($234 – rating: 4.8 / 5.0)

The 2016 was a standout vintage. With a nose dominated by powerful aromas of black cherries, violets, and sweet spice, the wine delivered an immersive sensory experience. The palate was rich and full-bodied, boasting intense dark fruit flavours, excellent structure, and impeccably integrated tannins. The finish was seemingly endless, adorned with a delightful hint of dark chocolate.

Le Dome, Saint Emilion Grand 2018 ($223 – rating: 4.7 / 5.0)

Bursting with youthful charm, the 2018 Le Dome was a harmonious blend of vibrant fruit and refined tannins. Its nose was replete with notes of red cherries, raspberries, and a hint of vanilla. The palate was energetic, showcasing a beautiful array of fresh red fruit flavours supported by a solid backbone of acidity. The finish was long and pleasantly tangy, hinting at the wine’s promising future.

Le Dome, Saint Emilion Grand 2019 ($231 – rating: 4.7 / 5.0)

The youngest wine of the lineup, the 2019, was a testament to the winemaker’s skill. With an aromatic nose that delivered an intriguing mix of fresh blackberries, violets, and subtle graphite, this wine exuded complexity and allure. On the palate, the wine offered a delightful tension between its ripe fruit flavours and firm tannins, providing a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in its maturity. The finish was already impressive, hinting at flavours of dark chocolate and sweet spices.

Decanter’s Le Dome – The Ultimate Bordeaux Outsider wine tasting event was a resounding success, providing an impressive showcase of the range, quality, and potential of these Bordeaux heavyweights. Whether demonstrating the aged grace of mature vintages or the vibrant potential of newer ones, each wine delivered a unique and delightful tasting experience.