2018, Dominus, NAPA VALLEY, California, USAThe 2018 Dominus has really shut down over the last year. I underestimated its imposing structure and density, both of which are on fully display today. The 2018 is a potent Dominus endowed with superb depth and tons of vertical explosive energy allied to a feeling of elegance that becomes increasingly apparent over time. Dark fruit, spice and a whole range of earthy, savoury notes add layers of complexity. Superb. 98 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2021).

finishing on a whispery red berry note

butterscotch

nuanced Bordeaux

As the wine ages

2025 is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon

deep colour extraction

blood plum and cocoa

Is there the fruit concentration/density to fully subsume the stalks with bottle age

berries and spices

but also slightly chewy aspect here all the while keeping that quite strict

silky but still tannic with quite imposing and mouthfilling tannins that come across quite strongly

super concentrated but not quite the finesse of my favourites in the cellar