Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2021

Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2021 is a profound, world-class, and exceptionally structured red blend crafted by Christian Moueix and winemaker Tod Mostero at the historic Napanook vineyard in Yountville. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (40% new), this vintage reflects an extraordinarily concentrated growing season. In the glass, it displays a deep, opaque purple-black color with brilliant clarity. The nose is complex and evolving, revealing high-toned aromas of fresh blackcurrant, blackberry preserves, stewed plum, and violet flowers interwoven with subtle notes of graphite, cedar pencil, crushed rock, tobacco leaf, and sweet spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied, taut, and seamlessly balanced, offering intense layers of dark berry fruits and mineral notes framed by exceptionally polished, cashmere-like tannins and vibrant acidity that leads into a long, persistent, and iron-tinged finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with grilled prime ribeye steak, braised beef short ribs, roasted rack of lamb, venison tenderloin, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

99 Points - James Suckling

The purity of the cabernet fruit is so enticing, with blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles and subtle graphite. Touches of terra cotta and licorice. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are wonderfully polished, giving a cashmere texture that is really luxurious to taste at this early stage. It is quenching and so delicious already. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs three to four years to come around but already a joy to taste.

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Dominus is a 3,700-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, with 40% of the wine matured in new French oak. Black cherries and cassis lead the way, accented by scents of crushed stone and pencil shavings. It's full-bodied, rich and concentrated, dark and intense, with ample tannins, but those tannins are ripe and well-rounded without being overly soft or creamy, gliding easily into a long, mocha-tinged finish. As a whole, the wine exhibits wonderful balance, even if it will benefit from 5 or 10 years in the cellar.