Dominus - Napa Valley Red 2016
Price: $340.00
Sale Price: $299.98
| Producer | Dominus |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Proprietary Red |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 03959 |
Dominus Description
Cabernet Sauvignon: 84%, Petit Verdot: 8%, Cabernet Franc: 5%.
At Dominus Estate, we are committed to making estate wines that express the unique terroir of the historic Napanook Vineyard. Dry farming is the foundation of our philosophy.
We are committed to making balanced wines of exceptional quality, which, through clear vision, intellectual rigor and unceasing effort, express the characteristics of our terroir.
At Dominus Estate, we combine centuries-old traditions of grapegrowing and winemaking with innovative practices to transform the highest quality grapes into fine wines with a great potential for aging.
Our respect for the land and the history of this place underlies our role as caretakers of the vineyard and our commitment to conveying a property that is improved for future generations.
Known for its complexity and balance, dominus demonstrates the potential of a wine produced on exceptional terroir. Structured, seamless and perfectly integrated, dominus is an elegant wine that improves with age.
We recommend decanting the wine prior to serving, to allow it to develop its full potential, particularly when serving young Dominus wines.
VINTAGE SUMMARY
Rainy days were spread out evenly over the course of a warmer than average winter (November to March: 31.2 inches total, 11.2 inches in March). With soil water reserves full, vines grew quickly with dense canopies. Bloom and veraison unfolded in warm and dry conditions and one heat spike of 103 F was recorded on July 26th. Ripening slowed down in August because of cooler temperatures and late morning fog. Fruit zone de-leafing and higher temperatures in September (99.2 F on the 18th, 100.8 F on the 25th, 100 F on the 26th) helped fruit to ripen consistently
TASTING NOTES
Filled with notes of deep forest berries, juniper and truffle, Dominus 2016 is restrained and compact. The tightly woven structure promises to reveal fine tannins, earth, lavender and dark chocolate and will improve over many years.
Wine Advocate: 100 Points
A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 40% new oak, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is deep purple-black in color and quite reticent at this youthful stage to begin, offering up subtle notions of potpourri, Indian spices, cigar box and iron ore over a core of crushed blackberries and black cherries with intermittent wafts of black and red currants, new leather and smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a densely packed mid-palate and oodles of freshness framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and laced with compelling earthy accents. It offers incredible vibrancy with tons of black and red fruit sparkle in the mid-palate leading to a provocative mineral element on the very long finish. If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would.
– Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Vinous Media
The 2016 Dominus is a dark, somber wine. I don't quite see the explosive energy of the 2013 or 2010, not the seductiveness of the 2012, but the 2016 has a distinct charm that is all its own. Quite frankly, I can't remember a young Dominus with this combination of fruit density, freshness and polished tannins. A huge center of fruit emerge with time in the glass in a big, large-scaled Dominus that should provide readers with a long drinking window of pure pleasure once some of the baby fat wears off.
-- Antonio Galloni
James Suckling
The opulence of fresh flowers and dark fruit is so impressive. There’s so much going on, from flowers to currants. The palate is full and powerful, but what impresses most are the ripe tannins and the amazing poise at the finish. Tightens down at the end. A blend of 84 per cent cabernet sauvignon, eight per cent petit verdot and eight per cent cabernet franc. Drink in 2021.
