Dominus Estate

Napanook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.214 ratings
9.33 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

If you didn’t know already, this is the second wine of Dominus.

The nose reveals; sour dark cherries, blackberries, baked strawberries, sugar style plum, black raspberries, sweetened, lean pomegranate, candied raspberries, blue fruits, vanilla, light clove, anise, steeped, black fruit tea, graphite, dark, rich, turned earth,sweet tarriness, limestone, alluvial soils, dry top soil, leathery notes, cedar, moist crushed rocks, dash of dry herbs with withering, dark, red flowers and old violets.

The body is medium full. The tannins nicely resolved but, still show a fair amount of firmness. The structure, tension, length and balance have hit a high point. Sour dark cherries, blackberries, baked strawberries, sugar style plum, black raspberries, sweetened, lean pomegranate, candied raspberries, a fair amount of blue fruits that hide on the nose, vanilla, light clove, dark spice anise, steeped, black fruit tea, graphite, dark, rich, turned earth, dark tar, limestone, alluvial soils, dry top soil, underbrush, tough shoe leather, cedar, moist crushed rocks, gritty volcanic minerals, dry clay, dash of dry herbs with fresh & withering, dark, red flowers and bright violets. The acidity is vibrant and fresh. The long finish starts ripe, bright candied fruits and slides into slightly dominate, dry earthiness and persists several minutes.

I would say this is still a hold for another 3-5 years. The 05 could show another point or two then. Just missing 92 now.

Photos of; Dominus and their estate vines, wine making legend, Christian Moueix, (been blessed to sit with him through a couple of dinners), their barrel room and the reverse view as you approach the winery.

If you didn’t know already, this is the second wine of Dominus.

The nose reveals; sour dark cherries, blackberries, baked strawberries, sugar style plum, black raspberries, sweetened, lean pomegranate, candied raspberries, blue fruits, vanilla, light clove, anise, steeped, black fruit tea, graphite, dark, rich, turned earth,sweet tarriness, limestone, alluvial soils, dry top soil, leathery notes, cedar, moist crushed rocks, dash of dry herbs with withering, dark, red flowers and old violets.

The body is medium full. The tannins nicely resolved but, still show a fair amount of firmness. The structure, tension, length and balance have hit a high point. Sour dark cherries, blackberries, baked strawberries, sugar style plum, black raspberries, sweetened, lean pomegranate, candied raspberries, a fair amount of blue fruits that hide on the nose, vanilla, light clove, dark spice anise, steeped, black fruit tea, graphite, dark, rich, turned earth, dark tar, limestone, alluvial soils, dry top soil, underbrush, tough shoe leather, cedar, moist crushed rocks, gritty volcanic minerals, dry clay, dash of dry herbs with fresh & withering, dark, red flowers and bright violets. The acidity is vibrant and fresh. The long finish starts ripe, bright candied fruits and slides into slightly dominate, dry earthiness and persists several minutes.

I would say this is still a hold for another 3-5 years. The 05 could show another point or two then. Just missing 92 now.

Photos of; Dominus and their estate vines, wine making legend, Christian Moueix, (been blessed to sit with him through a couple of dinners), their barrel room and the reverse view as you approach the winery.

Jul 4th, 2019
Peter Zandbergen

Needs drinking sooner than later. Nicely "a point" today. Unfortunately, the alcohol is showing a bit too much. Other than that I would say this is a great "Bordeaux"

Needs drinking sooner than later. Nicely "a point" today. Unfortunately, the alcohol is showing a bit too much. Other than that I would say this is a great "Bordeaux"

Apr 27th, 2019
wayne potvin

Right out of the bottle the nose is explosive. Forest floor and a slight gaminess.....Cab Franc for sure. Very focused with a pensive grip. Dense fruit and firm tannins. A compact line of leather, black tea, mocha and strong coffee. The finish resonates and tempts you back for more. Long and focused. Very enjoyable.

Right out of the bottle the nose is explosive. Forest floor and a slight gaminess.....Cab Franc for sure. Very focused with a pensive grip. Dense fruit and firm tannins. A compact line of leather, black tea, mocha and strong coffee. The finish resonates and tempts you back for more. Long and focused. Very enjoyable.

May 10th, 2017
Jean-Philip Journeault

2005

Nov 13th, 2016
Ken Frank

At 11 years old the 2005 is ready to enjoy. Still youthful exuberance but great complexity and balance. This wine should be delicious for a long time to come. Skillfully crafted classy wine.

At 11 years old the 2005 is ready to enjoy. Still youthful exuberance but great complexity and balance. This wine should be delicious for a long time to come. Skillfully crafted classy wine.

Oct 31st, 2016
Shangtao Shen

buy NT$2200

buy NT$2200

May 24th, 2014
Alex MacDonald

Alex had this 10 years ago

Alex had this 10 years ago

Feb 23rd, 2015
Brian Slanovich

Brian had this 12 years ago

Brian had this 12 years ago

Feb 5th, 2013
Sylvain Rhainds

Sylvain had this 9 years ago

Sylvain had this 9 years ago

Jun 1st, 2016
Danny Owens

Danny had this 9 years ago

Danny had this 9 years ago

May 10th, 2016