2018 Dominus Estate
By Dominus
2018 Dominus Estate, Napa Valley, USA by Dominus
The 2018 Dominus Estate from Dominus is a masterful representation of a transatlantically inspired Bordeaux blend. The Napa Valley region is noted for its sublime combination of generous sunlight and cool marine influences, resulting in uniquely tempered fruit with high concentration and stunning complexity.
Dominus, Artful Sculptor of Napa Grapes
The prowess of Dominus in crafting top-tier expressions from Bordeaux varietals is nothing short of legendary. Paying homage to the noble French tradition while capturing the spirit of the American terroir, this producer's wines consistently echo harmonious sophistication.
While this estate has offered several remarkable vintages, the 2018 Dominus Estate stands out for its exquisite balance between potent intensity and subtle nuances. The core of refined cabernet sauvignon textures is adroitly balanced by patches of deep merlot roundness and streaks of cabernet franc elegance.
A Vintage Singing the Song of Sunshine
The 2018 vintage was particularly promising in Napa with copious sunlight ensuring full ripeness, while cooler nights preserved vibrancy and imparted a sweepingly layered aromatic architecture. Replete with black fruit characteristics wrapped in dark chocolate overtones, the 2018 Dominus Estate presents an intriguing mélange of flavours that are both indulgent yet composed.
Expect a preliminary burst of ripe blackberries unrolling on your palate to reveal finely-disguised hints of savoury bay leaf and garrigue. The surgically precise tannic structure frames the wine's lavish character upfront, yet slowly recedes to showcase softer elements on a finale that lingers close to eternity.
This elegantly orchestrated symphony of taste makes the 2018 Dominus Estate an ideal contender for any serious investment portfolio. Its magnificent expression of this sunlit yet cooly moderated vintage in all its resplendent glory stands as one of the highlights of fine wines from the United States.
In conclusion, the 2018 Dominus Estate from Dominus is a testament to both the vineyard's versatility and the unique climatic vicissitudes of the year. An undeniably wise investment, it's a wine that will continue to impress with its evolving dance between potency and finesse.
Market price (USD)
$2,880.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
124.21
Scores and tasting notes
Very deep garnet-purple colored, 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. For all that it is at the moment, one cannot help but feel that this 2018 is holding something back. Give it a good five years in bottle, at least, and then get set for what I suspect will be a mind-blowing transformation over the next 30 years+.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 26 February 2021