Country: United States Region: Napa Valley Varietal: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Dominus Estate Description: Dominus Estate was founded in 1981 by a Bordeaux resident: Christian Moueix. The vines are located on the mythical vineyard of Napanook, known for the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignons. Dominus, Napanook and Othello are the 3 vintages, already mythical, of this beautiful property. The exceptional terroir includes volcanic soil conducive to the development of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are planted on the hillside. Vineyard owner Christian Moueix calls the Napanook vineyard the Haut-Brion of the Napa Valley. The know-how of this famous Libourne merchant and the particular care taken to preserve the environment allow the cuvées to achieve a very good reputation, and rightly so! Tasting Note: Very deep garnet-purple coloured, 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.   James Suckling 100 Pts This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight centre 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. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar. Food Matches: Lamb, braised beef