Reviews
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years. This estate, owned by Christian Moueix, includes the famed Napanook Vineyard that was the base of so many of the historic Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignons of the 1950s and 1960s. Interestingly, they have completely eliminated Merlot from the bottling. The 2007 Dominus is a 5,400-case blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. There are 4,200 cases of the 2008 Dominus which is composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Lower yields resulted in a denser, more concentrated wine. The remarkable thing about these cuvees is that they smell like a hypothetical blend of a top Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and a serious Bordeaux, possibly a cross blend of a Pomerol and Pauillac. Both wines possess silky sweet tannins, which is the big difference between Dominus post-1990 and the first seven vintages, where the tannin content was relatively high. About 40% new oak is used in their upbringing.Additional Information
| Sub-Region : |
Napa ValleyAmerica’s equivalent of Bordeaux, Napa Valley is the most famous winegrowing region in the United States. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay reign supreme in Napa Valley, but many of varietals are also grown successfully. Wines made from Napa Valley grapes vary greatly depending on the specific AVA or sub region where they are grown. Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Stag’s Leap, Oakville and Rutherford are a few acclaimed sub regions with their own distinct climactic and soil conditions. It is also the home of California “cult wines” like Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate and Grace Family Vineyard. |
| Region : |
CaliforniaSince the famous Judgement of Paris in 1976 California wines have unquestionably ranked among the best in the world. From the Anderson Valley in the North through Temecula Valley in the South, California vineyards grow dozens of wine grape varietals that produce wines of many different styles. The California wine industry has steadily gained ground since the 1960s (the industry took a major hit following Prohibition), but its roots date back over 200 years. Major grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. |
