Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

I had this a week ago but didn’t take any notes at all at a friends tasting last Sunday afternoon. Have always been a huge fan of Dominus and this was from an exceptional vintage. I recall an excellent left bank Cabernet dominant style but presented as a Napa style - rich and plush but not overly so. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The 2001 Dominus is one of the most backward wines of the vintage. Readers who own it will have to be patient, as the 2001 needs a few years to still be at its best! Time in the glass brings out huge dark fruit along with hints of iron, gravel, spice and leather that add to its brooding, imposing personality. The 2001 is approachable with a few hours of air, but is very much a powerhouse. Boris Champy was the winemaker, while Jean-Claude Berrouet was the consulting winemaker. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2023)

Dark black color and entirely opaque. Fruit forward nose. Notes of black cherry, spice, tobacco leaf, leather saddle and some wood. Massive fruit and structure in the mouth. Acidity is present but in balance with fruit and structure. Tannins somewhat softened. Rich in the mouth. Long finish. An excellent wine. While I guessed the other 2 Cabs as new world I thought this was a younger Lafite or Mouton. Well made juice!

Modest showing for a profound wine. A slightly tannic and drying tail was the sole detractor from a perfectly balanced, wonderfully integrated and cassis-laden gem.

A little tried on the first sip but 45 minutes in it is dark plum with leather and a cigar box finish that last 15 - 20 seconds. That said time to drink ‘em.

First bottle in our Dominus vertical from ‘01 to ‘13 at Formento. It didn’t get any better as this was the consensus WOTN. 2001 Napa Cabs remain awesome.

Fine integrated tannins combined with a plush core of blackberry fruit, lead pencil, coffee grounds and sweet licorice. This was truly phenomenal. Not fading in the least. Powerful and dense with a velvet smooth sexy finish.

Cassis Plum, also a touch of camphor and a totally integrated oak component. Medium Intensity with perfect balance. Tannins are soft silky and loong!! Totally harmonious.

#AgedWineTuesday

This is a fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Napa Valley.

Dark ruby in color with a brick rim.

Full bodied and smooth.

Dry and fruity on the palate with medium acidity.

Showing blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, cedar, leather, vanilla, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, earth, light vegetables, coffee and black pepper.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 23 year old is elegant and powerful. Rich and extracted, with a nice mouthfeel.

Good by itself as a sipping wine. Well balanced with great complexity. I just love these Napa Bordeaux blends.

Robert Parker 98 points. Wine Enthusiasts 94 points.

A great quality wine that will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

A blend of of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.

14.1% alcohol by volume.

96 points.

$400.

Medium purple in the glass with a touch of brick reflections at the rim. Fairly closed nose at first, opened up over 1-2 hours. Dark berries, anise, vanilla. Caramel and sweeter tannins. Nice length and balance. Half the groups favorite. My third favorite.