Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
Had friends over for lunch on Saturday and had a match off with this 1997 Dominus with a 1997 Wynns John Riddoch - both from magnum. This Dominus I first tried at TriBeCa Grill in New York about 8 years ago and it was a wow wine for me. In fact the best Cabernet I had ever had outside of Bordeaux. No detailed notes but this was more savoury and less fruit driven than I remember. The consensus around the table was in favour of the Riddoch with me as the sole vote for the Dominus. No detailed tasting notes.
Had friends over for lunch on Saturday and had a match off with this 1997 Dominus with a 1997 Wynns John Riddoch - both from magnum. This Dominus I first tried at TriBeCa Grill in New York about 8 years ago and it was a wow wine for me. In fact the best Cabernet I had ever had outside of Bordeaux. No detailed notes but this was more savoury and less fruit driven than I remember. The consensus around the table was in favour of the Riddoch with me as the sole vote for the Dominus. No detailed tasting notes.
Nov 17th, 2019
Didn't wow me. Something was missing and it didn't compete favorably vs most of the competition. A bit hollow, lacked complexity and possessed very little punch or profound fruit. Perhaps it was an off bottle but it wasn't obviously flawed or compromised.
Didn't wow me. Something was missing and it didn't compete favorably vs most of the competition. A bit hollow, lacked complexity and possessed very little punch or profound fruit. Perhaps it was an off bottle but it wasn't obviously flawed or compromised.
Jul 30th, 2017
Flight #2 of our 1997 Retrospective and these were the thoroughbreds. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #1 had great color, was developing, and probably the earthiest of the group but still had a lovely fruit profile. A really nice balance of fruit and non-fruits. Robust structure. Notably, this was the only bottle in the flight that had Brettanomyces…and while I found it to quite charming, this is what ultimately got me hung up on whether I thought this was the Dominus or the Monte Bello. Ultimately I called the later. I really dig this and wish I could afford more Dominus in my life. Drink now and through 2035.
Flight #2 of our 1997 Retrospective and these were the thoroughbreds. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #1 had great color, was developing, and probably the earthiest of the group but still had a lovely fruit profile. A really nice balance of fruit and non-fruits. Robust structure. Notably, this was the only bottle in the flight that had Brettanomyces…and while I found it to quite charming, this is what ultimately got me hung up on whether I thought this was the Dominus or the Monte Bello. Ultimately I called the later. I really dig this and wish I could afford more Dominus in my life. Drink now and through 2035.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 4th, 2024
Dark and smoky but fading cassis powers a medium-bodied rainbow of red flowers and fruit. So much going on, completely knit and on the verge of its descent. Class on steroids.
Dark and smoky but fading cassis powers a medium-bodied rainbow of red flowers and fruit. So much going on, completely knit and on the verge of its descent. Class on steroids.
1 person found it helpfulJul 3rd, 2020
This tastes the way wine should taste. Savory leathers, forest floor, dark and red fruits, toasted pine nut, and a two minute finish.
This tastes the way wine should taste. Savory leathers, forest floor, dark and red fruits, toasted pine nut, and a two minute finish.
Jun 25th, 2017Mature. And really nice space, but drink up.
Mature. And really nice space, but drink up.
Dec 19th, 2016
One of the best Napa cabs I've had and structure is still there.
One of the best Napa cabs I've had and structure is still there.
Aug 25th, 2016
Sadly, this bottle was too tired (old worn leather)
Sadly, this bottle was too tired (old worn leather)
Aug 14th, 2016
A little closed down despite lots of air and patience. Showed some of what it has but I've had better examples of this.
A little closed down despite lots of air and patience. Showed some of what it has but I've had better examples of this.
Apr 17th, 2016