DEEP COVER: On the way back from Vinitaly, Agent Noir stopped in Bordeaux for a clandestine mission: To uncover and shake off a new small stash of a highly rated cult Right Bank that’s stateside AND at a life-threateningly big discount like more than HALF OFF.

There was only one address that delivered the goods.

The cult garagiste rarity with TWO 98-point scores.

And for how much?! Mission. Accomplished.

Le Dôme always brings the BOOM factor, but this vintage in particular is simply one of the best. Robert Parker called Le Dôme a “Cheval Blanc look-alike.” That rings true here, but the price couldn’t be any different (expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a top Cheval vintage.)

We owe it to your support. Evert JCP Maltus wine we offered has vanished in record time - from the best of Bordeaux (Les Astéries) and Napa Valley (World’s End), and now this - the cherry on the cake. The pearl of the portfolio. The COOLEST winery centuries-old Bordeaux has ever seen. Parked right between Angelus and Le Mayne, this 8-acre plot shares their sandy soils on top of limestone and iron.

The vineyard is meticulously farmed for this special wine. Multiple culling of green harvests leave just a handful of clusters to ripen - where there could be ten you find just four. Careful pruning opens the grapes up to the sun, and at harvest the grapes are sorted twice - first by bunch, then after destemming, grape by grape. From there the star treatment continues with aging in new French oak which levels up the lavish, toasty, expensive tasting profile.

One sip and you’ll understand the fuss. Black cherries dusted with lavender, pure cassis, kirsch, fresh black licorice, blueberry pie and notes of Chinese five spice and crushed stone. The very definition of opulent. It finishes long, has the ability to age decades, and delivers a positively thrilling experience.

Who but Robert Parker to summarize it best, “Le Dôme, which is dominated by an incredibly high percentage of Cabernet Franc (80%) and the balance Merlot (20%), is a special effort that must be tasted to be believed.”

Will you be one of the lucky ones to grab some?!

98+ Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Composed of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Le Dôme has a drop dead gorgeous perfume of violets, black forest cake, rose hip and red jelly with touches of lavender, spice cake and earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied and super intense with super ripe, super fine-grained tannins, wonderful freshness and a very long perfumed, mineral-laced finish. Drink 2020-2050.”

98 Points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast

“Almost entirely Cabernet Franc, this single-vineyard wine has a wonderful perfumed character. Firm tannins are fully integrated into the fruit, giving a structured yet balanced feel. Ripe and elegant, it will age well. Drink from 2027.”