Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
Beautiful, clear nose of pipe tobacco and rich red fruit. The tannins have finally dialled back, bringing this Dominus balance it previously lacked. Sweet oak and ripe cherries and plums, some nice secondary stuff emerging. I’d give this a few more years to play out or a long decant.
Beautiful, clear nose of pipe tobacco and rich red fruit. The tannins have finally dialled back, bringing this Dominus balance it previously lacked. Sweet oak and ripe cherries and plums, some nice secondary stuff emerging. I’d give this a few more years to play out or a long decant.
2 people found it helpfulNov 17th, 2020
Initial aromas of cedar box, fruit and nut chocolate and a herbal nuance. With air a note of violet after about 2 hours. On the medium to full bodied palate absolutely fluid and seamless with that berry and dark chocolate note but largely restrained. Such perfect balance that nothing really jumps out. From my limited experience with Napa Valley Cabernets I have always thought that Dominus is the most Bordeaux like of these Cabs. Not surprising when you know the owner Christian Moueix is the owner of Petrus and other right bank icons. Linda Murphy for Jancis said “Could be Christian Moueix’s best Dominus.”
Initial aromas of cedar box, fruit and nut chocolate and a herbal nuance. With air a note of violet after about 2 hours. On the medium to full bodied palate absolutely fluid and seamless with that berry and dark chocolate note but largely restrained. Such perfect balance that nothing really jumps out. From my limited experience with Napa Valley Cabernets I have always thought that Dominus is the most Bordeaux like of these Cabs. Not surprising when you know the owner Christian Moueix is the owner of Petrus and other right bank icons. Linda Murphy for Jancis said “Could be Christian Moueix’s best Dominus.”
2 people found it helpfulJun 5th, 2020Michael Wangbickler CWE DipWSET 
President Drink Local Wine Inc, Educator Discover Wine & Spirits Academy
Drinking #napastrong tonight. #wine
Drinking #napastrong tonight. #wine
2 people found it helpfulSep 5th, 2014Classic Cabernet descriptors of Cedar, Tobacco, Red and black fruits and a herbal note. Lovely on the palate, drinking at its peak with excellent balance - smooth, fluid, resolved tannins. One could easily pick this as a Left Bank Bordeaux in a blind tasting. Shows more French restraint than the full blown Napa style for me. Medium + weight palate with balance and concentration. Probably my favourite Napa Valley Cabernet though admittedly I have not tried some of the big guns like Harlan. Post script: A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. No Merlot was used in the blend for 2004.
Classic Cabernet descriptors of Cedar, Tobacco, Red and black fruits and a herbal note. Lovely on the palate, drinking at its peak with excellent balance - smooth, fluid, resolved tannins. One could easily pick this as a Left Bank Bordeaux in a blind tasting. Shows more French restraint than the full blown Napa style for me. Medium + weight palate with balance and concentration. Probably my favourite Napa Valley Cabernet though admittedly I have not tried some of the big guns like Harlan. Post script: A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. No Merlot was used in the blend for 2004.
1 person found it helpfulSep 12th, 2021
Dominus dominated last night.
Dominus dominated last night.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 22nd, 2014
04' this wine is structured so beautifully. Proof a great winemaker/winery can produce great wines...in not so great years. The fruit & acidity are still there. It has many years in front of it. Cheers!
04' this wine is structured so beautifully. Proof a great winemaker/winery can produce great wines...in not so great years. The fruit & acidity are still there. It has many years in front of it. Cheers!
Aug 23rd, 2015
Very solid Dominus in a wonky year. I wasn't as enamored of it as others but it was good.
Very solid Dominus in a wonky year. I wasn't as enamored of it as others but it was good.
Mar 1st, 2015Loved the evolved nose; tannins are resolving very nicely.
Loved the evolved nose; tannins are resolving very nicely.
Jan 28th, 2015