Dominus Estate

Beschreibung für den Dominus 2013

Dominus 2013 captures the deep character of the Napanook Vineyard. and unfolds with magnificent dimension. Blue and purple fruit. violets and earth unite in a wine whose
aging potential is unlimited.
“In Napa. the 2013 vintage is. for me. the vintage of a lifetime.” - Christian Moueix

2 0 1 3 D O M I N U S Napa Valley
2013 was characterized by a very dry spring and a consistently warm summer/early fall. Only 6.4 inches of rainfall were recorded from January to June (versus 17.7 inches average).
Low reserves of soil water limited vine growth. While average temperatures remained warm throughout spring and summer. no heat spikes were recorded in July. August or September.
In terms of thermal time (growing degree days). the season was 18 days ahead of the norm at the beginning of harvest (September 10).
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 89%. Petit Verdot: 7%. Cabernet Franc: 4%
 

Antonio Galloni für Vinous im Oktober 2015: 

The 2013 Dominus overwhelms all the senses with its magnificent overall balance and towering intensity. Deep and nearly impenetrable in the glass. the 2013 boasts off the charts dry extract and overall power. Violets. smoke. black cherries. menthol. incense. crème de cassis and dark spices are some of the many signatures that take shape in the glass. Even better in bottle than it was in barrel. the 2013 is utterly magnificent. This is a remarkably vivid. nuanced wine considering its sheer size.
 

James Suckling beschreibt ihn am 13. September 2016 wie folgt:

The aromas to this are multidimensional and fascinating with black truffles. bark. cloves. black currants. citrus. and even ginseng. Full-bodied. yet reserved and austere with chewy and powerful tannins that remain polished and refined. The flavors are more umami and savory. Then there are forest fruits and blood-orange undertones. The wine goes on for minutes. A wine to age for a lifetime. It's an experience to taste this. A new classic showing its history and tradition as a source of the greatest wines ever from Napa. A wine to enjoy forever.
 

Robert M. Parker Jr. 30. Oktober 2015:

The 2013 Dominus is. to my way of thinking. one of the most profound wines Christian Moueix has yet made in his rather brilliant winemaking history. both in France and in Napa Valley. This wine. with very low yields of only 3.500 cases and a final blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon. 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. offers up notes of cedar wood. forest floor. loamy soil and oodles of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit. Very opaque purple in color. super-pure and intense. this wine has low acidity. but ripe. noticeable tannins. This is a 30- to 40-year wine and a profound effort from this famous vineyard in Yountville. Drink it over the next 40+ years. 
 

James Suckling beschreibt ihn am 28. July 2015 wie folgt:

Fabulous purity and clarity of fruit. Black currants, blackberries and violets. Full body, big soft tannins and a chocolate, hazelnut and dark fruit character. Some hot stones too. Ripe, velvety and fruity finish. Better in 2020 but delicious to drink now. Wonderful Dominus.


 

Robert M. Parker Jr. beschreibt ihn im Oktober 2015 wie folgt:

The exuberance and drama in the stunning nose of the dense plum-colored 2012 Dominus offers up notes of Asian spice, ripe, black currants, kirsch, tobacco leaf and Christmas fruitcake. It is full-bodied and opulent, with no hard edges, a seamless integration of acidity, wood and tannin and a density and richness that are built to go on for 25-30 years.
 

James Suckling beschreibt den Dominus Napa Valley 2014 am 27. Januar 2017:
Fabulous purity and clarity of fruit. Black currants, blackberries and violets. Full body. big soft tannins and a chocolate, hazelnut and dark fruit character. Some hot stones too. Ripe, velvety and fruity finish. Better in 2020 but delicious to drink now. Wonderful Dominus.

 

Robert M. Parker Jr. beschreibt den Dominus Napa Valley 2014 im Oktober 2016:
The 2014s. where the production of Napanook was only 2.200 cases and Dominus slightly more than the 2015 at 4.000 cases, was another early harvest, although somewhat later than 2015. The 2014 Dominus., which is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot really struts its stuff. Moueix’s belief in dry farming seems to be paying off with stronger and stronger vintages, each successive year, and the 2014 is a sexy, opulent. layered, multidimensional wine with notes of red and blackcurrant, cedar wood, tobacco leaf, spice box and licorice. The color is a dense plum/ruby/purple, much like the Napanook. This is a beauty that is already drinking gorgeously – as most 2014s are – and will continue to evolve for 25 or so years.

 

The 2014 Dominus is endowed with tons of depth, power and muscle. Black cherry, plum, smoke, menthol, licorice, chocolate, dried herbs and dark spices are all pushed forward. Deep, pliant and exquisitely layered, the 2014 possesses tons of concentration and mid-palate depth. Like so many wines in this vintage, the 2014 comes across as a hybrid of 2013 and 2012. I very much like the energy and focus in this wine. This is a fabulous wine in every way. With time in the glass, the flavors gain in brightness and focus. There is certainly much to look forward to.

 

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Platz 1 der TOP 100 Liste des Winespectator für das Jahr 2021
WINE OF THE YEAR

James Molesworth im Oktober 2021:
BEST EVER für den Winespectator - kein Wein des Dominus Estate wurde je höher bewertet.

This is tightly packed, with sleek, pure, driven notes of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry puree allied to an iron spine, while subtle alder, juniper, sweet bay leaf and tobacco notes peek in throughout. Very fine-grained, but impressively sturdy in feel, with a long, lingering note of iron piercing the finish. For the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. 4,000 cases made.

 

James Suckling beschreibt den Dominus Napa Valley 2018 im Mai 2021: 

This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Totally integrated on the palate. This is a magic-carpet wine. Really incredible. One of the reference points for the vintage. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar.

 

Lisa Perrotti Brown beschreibt den Dominus 2018 im Februar 2021:

Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Dominus slowly emerges from the glass with profound notes of blackcurrant cordial, ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of violets, star anise, cracked black pepper, raspberry leaves and pencil lead, plus a touch of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit layers, creating a beguiling sense of richness that is beautifully countered by invigorating freshness and great poise, framed by super ripe, plush tannins and beautiful tension, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note and, finally, lots of mineral sparks. For all that it is at the moment, one cannot help but feel that this 2018 is holding something back. Give it a good five years in bottle, at least, and then get set for what I suspect will be a mind-blowing transformation over the next 30 years+.


Antonio Galloni im Januar 2022:

The 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, savory notes add layers of complexity. Superb.

 

Jeb Dunnuck im Januar 2021:

The flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot brought up in 40% new French oak. With an essence of Cabernet-like character in its darker currants, green tobacco, cedar, graphite, and floral aromas and flavors, this gorgeous wine is full-bodied and has bright yet integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s just gorgeously put together and a magical, flawless wine. It's going to take a decade to hit maturity but will evolve for 40-50 years in cold cellars. It is as good as it gets in classic, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon!
 

Den Dominus bewertet James Molesworth wie folgt:

A loaded wine, though reserved in style, with waves of dense cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserves moving through authoritatively, while sweet bay leaf, warm loam and tobacco accents fill in the background. The long cast iron spine is deeply buried in the fruit, and this has superior cut and drive. Built for serious cellaring, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. 3,500 cases made.
 

Den Dominus 2019 beschreibt James Suckling im März 2022 wie folgt:

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.

 

Den Dominus 2019 beschreibt Joe Czerwinski im Mai 2022 wie folgt:

The 2019 Dominus is blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new French oak. Impressively dark-hued in the glass, it yields scents of cherries and cassis on the nose—or is it black cherries and redcurrants? Subtle notes of mocha, pencil shavings and almost Graves-like earthiness wind through the concentrated, medium to full-bodied palate, giving it a sense of savory gravitas, while the finish is silky and long, leaving a lingering residue of soft tannins and mouthwatering freshness.



Den Dominus 2019 bewertet Antonio Galloni im Oktober 2022: 


 

Den Dominus 2019 beschreibt Jeb Dunnuck im Februar 2023:

From a slightly more challenging year for this estate due to the heavy springtime rains, the 2019 Dominus is a classic blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc from this team brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. It offers a more ruby/plum and borderline opaque hue as well as a great nose of ripe currants, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and a touch of loamy earth. This round, supple, medium to full-bodied effort has soft tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's not going to match the all-time greats here, but it’s a charming, endearing Cabernet that will offer incredible pleasure with just 3-5 years of bottle age and drink well for 20+ years or more.

 

Den Dominus bewertet James Molesworth wie folgt:

Dieser Wein verströmt dichte Aromen und Geschmacksnoten von Kirsch und Linzer Torte, zusammen mit einer Mischung aus schwelendem Tabak, Leder, warmem Pflasterstein und Lakritznoten, die am Ende eine düstere Note verleihen. Überraschend rückständig für den Jahrgang und beeindruckend gemacht. Cabernet Sauvignon und Cabernet Franc. Am besten von 2026 bis 2040. 1.600 Kisten produziert.
 

Den Dominus 2020 beschreibt James Suckling im Februar 2022 wie folgt:

Aromen von schwarzen Johannisbeeren, schwarzen Kirschen, Anklängen von Graphit, nasser Erde und Lavendel. Sandelholz. Vollmundig mit einer beeindruckenden und raffinierten Struktur, die tief und vertikal im Wein verläuft. Zäh. Anklänge von Schokolade und Haselnuss im Abgang. Benötigt fünf bis sechs Jahre, um weicher zu werden.

 

Den Dominus 2020 beschreibt Joe Czerwinski im Juni 2023 wie folgt:

Ein hervorragender Wein, auch wenn er nicht zu den großen Dominus-Jahrgängen zählt, der 2020 Dominus liefert Wellen dunkler Früchte – vor allem Cassis. Eine Mischung aus 95% Cabernet Sauvignon und 5% Cabernet Franc, er ist vollmundig und reichhaltig in der Textur, vielleicht etwas warm und locker aufgrund der Sommerhitze, aber mit einem langen, samtigen Abgang, der attraktiv mit Mokka und dunkler Schokolade getönt ist.

Der Direktor für Weinbau und Kellerwirtschaft, Tod Mostero, wies darauf hin, dass Jahre mit wenig Niederschlag – wie 2020 – einige der besten Ergebnisse bei Dominus liefern können. Dennoch, wenn der Niederschlag nur etwas mehr als die Hälfte des Durchschnitts der letzten 25 Jahre beträgt, kann dies nicht ohne Einfluss auf den Wein bleiben. Zusammen mit der Wärme der Saison waren die Erträge erheblich geringer. Laut Mostero befanden sich die Trauben bis Ende Juli in der Veraison und wurden dann von drei aufeinanderfolgenden Hitzeperioden getroffen: 13.-15. August, mit Temperaturen von 102, 106 und 108 Grad Fahrenheit; 18.-19. August, mit Spitzenwerten von 102 und 106; und 5.-7. September, mit Höchstwerten von 105, 112 und 114. Selbst mit den Sprühnebelanlagen in der Fruchtzone, die die Temperaturen um bis zu 10 Grad Fahrenheit senken können, und dem Trockenfeldbau mussten die Teams durch den Weinberg gehen, um rosinenartige und sonnenverbrannte Früchte zu entfernen. Nach der Lese wurden die Früchte dann von Hand ausgiebig sortiert und durch einen optischen Sortierer geleitet. Die Ernte wurde vor dem Ausbruch des Glass Fire am 27. September abgeschlossen. "Wir haben HEPA-Filter installiert, um die rauchige Luft so gut wie möglich aus dem Weingut fernzuhalten", sagte Mostero. "Wenn wir probieren, ist Rauch kein Thema, aber wir schmecken die Hitzespitzen; und wir haben nur 30% einer normalen Ernte produziert."
 

Den Dominus 2020 beschreibt Jeb Dunnuck im Dezember 2023:

Ich würde den 2020 Dominus zu den besten des Jahrgangs zählen, und Tod bemerkte, dass ihm der 2020 tatsächlich besser gefällt als der 2019. So weit würde ich nicht gehen, aber es lässt sich nicht leugnen, dass dies ein wunderschöner Wein ist, vollgepackt mit dunkleren Johannisbeeren, Cassis, Graphit und kreidiger Mineralität. Er ist mittel- bis vollmundig, hat einen dichten, konzentrierten Stil, feinkörnige Tannine und einen soliden Mittelgaumen, der sowohl Kraft als auch Finesse zeigt. Er sollte von 4-6 Jahren Flaschenreife profitieren und insgesamt zwei Jahrzehnte Lagerfähigkeit haben.  

James Suckling beschreibt den Dominus Napa Valley 2014 am 27. Januar 2017:

Fabulous purity and clarity of fruit. Black currants, blackberries and violets. Full body, big soft tannins and a chocolate, hazelnut and dark fruit character. Some hot stones too. Ripe, velvety and fruity finish. Better in 2020 but delicious to drink now. Wonderful Dominus.

 

Robert M. Parker Jr. beschreibt den Dominus Napa Valley 2014 im Oktober 2016:

The 2014s. where the production of Napanook was only 2.200 cases and Dominus slightly more than the 2015 at 4.000 cases. was another early harvest. although somewhat later than 2015. The 2014 Dominus. which is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon. 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot really struts its stuff. Moueix’s belief in dry farming seems to be paying off with stronger and stronger vintages, each successive year, and the 2014 is a sexy, opulent, layered, multidimensional wine with notes of red and blackcurrant, cedar wood, tobacco leaf, spice box and licorice. The color is a dense plum/ruby/purple, much like the Napanook. This is a beauty that is already drinking gorgeously – as most 2014s are – and will continue to evolve for 25 or so years.


The 2014 Dominus is endowed with tons of depth, power and muscle. Black cherry, plum, smoke, menthol, licorice, chocolate, dried herbs and dark spices are all pushed forward. Deep, pliant and exquisitely layered, the 2014 possesses tons of concentration and mid-palate depth. Like so many wines in this vintage, the 2014 comes across as a hybrid of 2013 and 2012. I very much like the energy and focus in this wine. This is a fabulous wine in every way. With time in the glass, the flavors gain in brightness and focus. There is certainly much to look forward to.