2008 Dominus Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (OWC)

“Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. (RP)” (12/2010)

“A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2008 Dominus is deep garnet in color. The nose is a little subdued to start off, soon unfurling to offer subtle suggestions of iron ore, underbrush, black olives, and smoked meats, leading to a core of warm cassis, raspberry pie, and kirsch, with a touch of charcoal. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright, elegant, and breezy with a refreshing backbone and soft tannins, finishing long and soft-spoken. (LPB)” (12/2025)

“This is very pure fruit for Dominus. This will be interesting to see how it develops in the future. 2008 was a very small crop. Very perfumed and beautiful, with currants, flowers, and notes of mint. Full-bodied, with round velvety tannins that lead up to a chocolate and ripe berry finish. This is showing great fruit, and a great finish. Structurally this is like a 2005 La Mission.” (06/2011)

“Very Bordeaux-like in its makeup and structure, this firm wine offers good acidity and tight tannins, delivering complex flavors of loamy earth, vivid dried currant and berry, with anise and mineral notes sprinkled in. My favorite young Dominus of late. (JM)” (11/2011)

“Now 30 years old, this venture is a Californian classic. But the real success is how Christian Moueix, proprietor of Pétrus, so fine-tuned his approach with Cabernet while turning his back on Merlot. The 2008 is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. While oak may be Napa’s mainstay, Dominus sees just 40% new barrels, leaving its fate more to a relentless focus on sorting and the Napanook vineyard’s sublime soils. A sweet floral edge enlivens creamy blackberry, sandalwood and gravelly mineral, with wellrobed tannins that only appear at the finish. For all the flesh, this has long-lived savoury nuance. 19.5/20 points (JB)” (07/2012)