2003 Dominus Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“Remarkably, it is the 20th vintage for Christian Moueix. Always a Bordeaux-inspired wine with restraint yet substance as well as a textured richness, the 2003 exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color, a creamy, opulent texture, no hard edges, and a wonderful sweetness of foresty, black currant and cherry fruit mixed with underbrush and hints of Chinese black tea. Well-proportioned and full-bodied, yet never over-stated or out of balance, this is another beauty from Moueix. (RP)” (06/2013)

“Christian Moueix's Napanook vineyard has pedigree, and so does the wine. Moueix's 20th-anniversary vintage, this emphasizes distinction and restraint, the deep black-fruited scent and milder tobacco sweetness balancing the savor of fine tannins. It takes several days for the tannins to release the dark cherry flavors more completely. For the collector's cellar.” (10/2006)

“Good ruby-red. Rich, smoky, expressive aromas of plum, currant, licorice, tobacco, game and leather. Suave and lush in the mouth, with explosive flavors of currant and graphite. Quite suave and pliant, offering excellent balance and full, broad, well-buffered tannins. This is just over 14% alcohol. The non-decanted version showed aromas of plum, redcurrant, mocha and nutty oak, and hints of tobacco leaf and licorice in the mouth. Though it was tighter and more firmly tannic, it also showed considerable early complexity. This distinctly claret-like vintage may well merit an even higher score with six to eight years of bottle aging. (ST) 92+” (05/2006)