2008 Dominus Estate, Christian Moueix, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP99 "Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years." RP Dec 2010

LP98 "A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2008 Dominus is deep garnet in color. The nose is a little subdued to start off, soon unfurling to offer subtle suggestions of iron ore, underbrush, black olives, and smoked meats, leading to a core of warm cassis, raspberry pie, and kirsch, with a touch of charcoal. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright, elegant, and breezy with a refreshing backbone and soft tannins, finishing long and soft-spoken." LPB for TWI Mar 2023

Robert Parker writes, "This estate, owned by Christian Moueix, includes the famed Napanook Vineyard that was the base of so many of the historic Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignons of the 1950s and 1960s. Interestingly, they have completely eliminated Merlot from the bottling. The 2007 Dominus is a 5,400-case blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. There are 4,200 cases of the 2008 Dominus which is composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Lower yields resulted in a denser, more concentrated wine. The remarkable thing about these cuvees is that they smell like a hypothetical blend of a top Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and a serious Bordeaux, possibly a cross blend of a Pomerol and Pauillac. Both wines possess silky sweet tannins, which is the big difference between Dominus post-1990 and the first seven vintages, where the tannin content was relatively high. About 40% new oak is used in their upbringing." Published: Dec 22, 2010