Dome, Le
Summary
Le Dome is a boutique Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate founded in 1995 by Jonathan Maltus, producing around 1,000 cases annually from 3.5 hectares of limestone plateau vineyards adjacent to Château Angélus. The estate crafts its distinctive wines using an unusual blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, aging them for 18-24 months in new French oak within its Norman Foster-designed winery.
Heritage & Leadership
Le Dome was established in 1995 by Jonathan Maltus, marking one of the first micro-cuvée wines in Saint-Émilion. Maltus, who also owns Château Teyssier and several other Saint-Émilion properties, developed Le Dome as a focused single-vineyard expression. In 2021, the property inaugurated a new state-of-the-art winery designed by architect Norman Foster, representing a significant investment in its winemaking capabilities.
Vineyards & Wines
Le Dome's vineyard spans 3.5 hectares on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, situated adjacent to Château Angélus. The vineyard composition stands at 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, making it one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Franc in Saint-Émilion. The limestone-dominated soils provide excellent drainage and mineral components. Annual production averages 1,000 cases, maintaining a focused scale that allows for detailed attention to the vineyard blocks.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Le Dome centers on maximizing the expression of its Cabernet Franc-dominated vineyard. Following harvest, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels at the new winery facility. The wine ages in French oak barrels for 18-24 months, with 80-100% new oak used depending on the vintage. The modern winery, completed in 2021, provides precise temperature and humidity control throughout the aging process.