Dominus 2021 (75cl, 15%)

Dominus 2021 is a full-bodied Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red blend from Dominus Estate in Yountville. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, bottled at 15% ABV. This vintage collected three perfect 100-point scores, along with 99 points from James Suckling, 98+ from Wine Advocate and 98 from Vinous. Winemaker Tod Mostero vinifies each dry-farmed parcel separately. The 2021 growing season imposed early hydric constraint, producing exceptionally small berries with the highest phenolic concentration recorded since 2013. Aroma opens with crushed blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, crushed stone, cedar pencil and graphite, with violets, smoke tobacco, licorice and baking spices. The palate is voluptuous, with dense black cherry, cassis and stewed plum, firm yet ripe tannins and notes of incense, nettles and terra cotta. The finish is exceptionally long, with mocha, tar and a ferrous mineral note.