2002 Dominus Estate
By Dominus
2002 Dominus Estate from Dominus, Napa Valley, USA
Turning our discerned focus to the heartland of the New World wines, let us revel in the majesty of the 2002 Dominus Estate from Dominus. Embodying the complex elegance that California's Napa Valley is known for, 2002 was a burnished year of climatic perfection.
A Symphony of aromas and flavours wrapped in a robust structure
The sanguine depths of this Bordeaux-blend encapsulate a duality of ripe blackberries underscored by waves of eucalyptus and dry herbs tumbling over a complex mineral spine. The crux of the vintage's distinction being it’s vestiges of Californian sun playing beguilingly with an Old World restraint and grace.
Heralded from one of the premier vineyards within the coveted Napa Valley, this wine marries a focused Cabernet Sauvignon base with interludes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The powerful virtues of the Cabernet yield an encasing at once indomitable and delicate, adding finesse to what could have been brooding intensity.
Intricately balanced - An appealing choice for discerning investors
The 2002 Dominus Estate plays out a balancing act between muscle and poise with such congruity only found in years where nature herself seems to craft each grape. Capitalising on this exceptional vintage as part of a well-rounded wine investment portfolio offers not merely a future fine dining pleasure but also an opportunity for significant returns and hedging against traditional market volatility.
A tour de force symbolising the Californian viticulture prowess, 2002 Dominus Estate from Dominus defines much that is splendid about fine wines from USA, making the vintage eminently worthy of consideration for astute collectors and investors alike.
A quintessential Californian masterstroke
Our appreciation of fine wines spans centuries of harvests and encompasses a delightful palette of expressive regions. With every sip and swirl, the 2002 Dominus Estate offers a taste of new-world innovation framed within old-world sensibility. This vivacious labour of love carries the promise of a rewarding experience today, while its potential for increasing financial dividends makes it an investment worth savouring.
Market price (USD)
$4,800.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
206.84
Scores and tasting notes
This 2002 was virtually perfect when I tasted it in early May. Even better than I predicted seven years ago, this 4,500-case blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot has blossomed beautifully, revealing even greater intensity and potential than I predicted. A flawless, seamless integration of tannin, wood, alcohol and acidity is found in this dense, plum/purple-colored Dominus, along with copious notes of sweet black currants interwoven with kirsch, forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco, new saddle leather and forest floor. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, stunning elegance and a 45-second finish, this sensational 2002 rivals two of the all-time great wines made at Dominus, 1991 and 1994. It is hard to believe that proprietor Christian Moueix’s Dominus Estate has already celebrated its 25th anniversary and is moving toward 30 years with the 2012-2013 vintages. The 2002 will drink well for another 20 years. Tel. (707) 944-8954; Fax (707) 944-0547
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2012