2018 Dominus Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“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!” (01/2021)

“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.” (05/2021)

“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+. (LPB) 99+” (02/2021)

“It is a polished wine with tremendous energy. Leads with a stunning blue floral note, accompanied by black fruit and sandalwood. Medium to full-bodied with a ripe and generous fruit profile that takes centre stage, singing a song of Bing cherry, spiced plums, blackberry and delicate, almost powdery tannins that build in pixelated fashion on the palate. Expressive stony minerals emerge on the lengthy finish, joined by wildflowers and pure dark fruit. (JC)” (01/2024)

“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. (AG)” (01/2022)

“This is a very serene and quietly confident wine that dovetails with the vintage’s overall terroir-driven profile. Settling in for the long haul, with the fruit still showing well though it’s starting to cede ground to the immense structure, this is driven by a humus and cast iron side in the end. Reveals richness and drive, with a wide range of tobacco, savory and alder accents. When the fruit remerges fully after cellaring, this will be every bit the benchmark. *#1 Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021, Collectible* (JM)” (10/2022)