Dominus, Napa Valley, 2018
Deeper notes of mocha black currant and fine polished stones mingle with a touch of fresh tobacco in this handsome and aromatically refined Dominus. Classy, high polish tannins thread through the core of this release, with excellent drive and detail to the fruit. Layered and complex yet easy with it. On the palate notes of black currant, sweet black plum and toasty oak meet black olive, mountain herbs and excellent dark chocolate. This is grown up kit indeed. Ageing takes place in French barrels (40% new), for 18 months. The blend for Dominus 2018 is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot.
critic reviews
A late harvest vintage, with a mild start, hot summer, then relatively cool long ripening, the kind of year that Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys. You see it in the flavour profile, where you can expect squid ink, oyster shell, mushroom, earthiness, flint, gunsmoke, iron, smoked earth, crushed herbs, cold charcoal, rooted and textural, gripping through the palate, at the beginning of tertiary, showcasing slow and steady evolution. 40% new oak for ageing. 40% new oak, Tod Mostero winemaker, Christian Moueix owner.
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.