Expect black currant, dark cherry, cedar, graphite, dried herb, and a savory note with full body, structured tannins, and bright acidity. The 2006 Napa vintage was excellent and age-worthy; 2010 was cool, elegant, and is regarded as one of Dominus's strongest recent vintages.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend (typically with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)
- Region
- USA / California / Napa Valley / Yountville
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, structured, age-worthy, traditional, iconic
The producer
Dominus Estate was founded in 1983 by Christian Moueix, the proprietor of Bordeaux's Château Pétrus. The estate is on the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville. Dominus is widely regarded as one of California's most Bordeaux-influenced wines — restrained, structured, and built for long aging. The dramatic Herzog & de Meuron-designed winery is an architectural landmark.
What critics say
Dominus consistently receives high-90s scores from major critics and is widely cited among California's most age-worthy and distinguished wines. The 2010 in particular has drawn major critical acclaim.
Pairing
Filet mignon, herb-crusted rack of lamb, slow-roasted lamb shoulder