Dominus Estate 2019 Napa Valley
Dominus Estate 2019 Napa Valley
Dominus 2019 is Perfect! Our #1 Wine of the Year! (2023)
Dominus 2019 is Perfect! Our #1 Wine of the Year! (2023)
The historic Napanook Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley that has been in production since the late 19th century, is the home of Christian Moueix of Chateau Petrus' Dominus. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Dominus is an iconic wine that never lacks bold intensity and power. The vineyard’s volcanic, well-draining soils are specifically suited to growing Bordeaux varietals, and winemaker Tod Mostero vinifies each dry-farmed parcel separately. Attention to detail is unparalleled, with minimal intervention allowing the terroir to fully express itself in the wine. The 2018 was Wine Spectator #1 Top 100 Wine of 2021. This 2019 is another outstanding success, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot,
Lisa Perrotti-Brown's The Wine Independent scored this a perfect 100 points saying "Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Dominus was harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose slowly unfurls to unveil beguiling floral notes of candied violets and rose oil over a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, giving way to notions of licorice, Indian spices, iron ore, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, intertwined with gorgeous floral and exotic spice accents, and framed by firm, finely grained tannins with seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. Tightly coiled with so much latent energy waiting to explode, this is a spectacular expression of the vintage and Napanook vineyard. Still tightly coiled, give it a good 6-7 years in the cellar before broaching, and allow it a few hours in a decanter if consumed before 2032."
James Suckling scored this 98 points saying "Lots of crushed stone, lead pencil and licorice aromas that are extremely aromatic and bright. Black cherries, cloves and purple fruit, too. Full body and a round and ripe center-palate with a juicy interior. It opens at the end with a savory and juicy finish. Layered and beautiful. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years."