Chateau Le Dome

Chateau Le Dome is one of Saint-Emilion's original "garagistes," becoming a pioneer in Cabernet Franc-dominant blends in the region. The chateau is led by the innovative and outlandish British winemaker, Jonathan Maltus, who founded Le Dome wine in 1996. With a prime terroir set next to Chateau Angelus and Chateau Canon at a fraction of the cost, Le Dome wine is one of Bordeaux's rarest cuvées and greatest offers on the open market.

Chateau Le Dome: History Behind the Bordeaux Garagiste

Jonathan Maltus moved to Bordeaux in 1990 after a lifelong career in the petrochemical industry. Maltus took a stark interest in winemaking and was drawn to Saint-Emilion, eventually becoming a pioneering figure in the region's "garagiste" movement in the 1990s. He then purchased a small 2.5-hectare vineyard after selling his house in Chelsea, London, believing the vineyards were filled with Merlot. However, shortly after the purchase, his vineyard manager noticed Le Dome's site was overwhelmingly planted to Cabernet Franc, forcing Maltus to change his original plans.

Consequently, Le Dome wine comprised 80-85% Cabernet Franc, the highest proportion of any Bordeaux wine. The cuvée was later refined when Maltus brought on Gilles Pauquet as consulting oenologist; under the direction of the former Cheval Blanc winemaker, Chateau Le Dome moved to 80% new oak, started picking earlier, and moved to a higher planting density (8,333 vines/HA). Today, Thomas Duclos, best known for his work at Troplong Mondot and Chateau Canon, consults Maltus at Chateau Le Dome. 

In 2019, Maltus sold 50% of his ownership to the Czech-based J&T Finance Group, though he still leads the winemaking and daily operations. Under his guidance, Le Dome wine has risen to become one of Saint-Emilion's most coveted wines, while Maltus became the first English winemaker to be awarded a 100-point score from Robert Parker. 

Le Dome Saint-Emilion: Grand Cru Classe Terroir

Chateau Le Dome sits in Bordeaux's Saint-Emilion appellation next to powerhouses Chateau Angelus and Chateau Canon. Le Dome's Saint-Emilion vineyard is now 7 hectares and certified HEV3 due to the chateau's organic and biodynamic farming practices. The vineyard is located on a gentle southward slope of well-draining, iron-clay soils that beautifully complement the Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines. The resulting fruit is rich, concentrated, and opulent, lending itself to lively and fragrant final blends. 

In 2019, renowned architect Lord Norman Foster was enlisted to build a state-of-the-art winery for Chateau Le Dome. Foster is best known as the mastermind behind Apple's Cupertino Loop, London's The Gherkin, and Chateau Margaux's renovated winery. The new building was completed for the 2020 vintage and features a 360-degree view of the vineyard and surrounding landscape, alongside a domed, terracotta-tiled, timber roof.

Le Dome 2010

Chateau Le Dome earned its first, and only, 100-point score from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate to date. The celebrated critic labelled the wine a 25-35-year wine with extraordinary elegance and finesse, outperforming the preceding 2009. 

Le Dome 2009

The 2009 Chateau Le Dome earned a near-perfect score from Robert Parker with a 99-point rating for its power, concentration, and depth. Parker stated the wine was "one of the most distinctive wines made in Bordeaux" and "Jonathan Malthus’ finest wine to date."

Add Le Dome Wine To Your Cellar

Chateau Le Dome hails from one of Bordeaux's greatest terroirs, selling at a fraction of the price of nearby competitors. At under $250 for 100-pointers, Le Dome wine is a collector's gem and perfect to add to any collection. Browse our selection of in-stock Le Dome wines today.