Dominus Estate 2012 (750ML)

99+ JD / 99 WI / 99 RP / 98 JS / 98 VM

Checking in as a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that hit 14.3% alcohol, the 2012 Dominus is a sensational wine that certainly ranks with the all-time greats of this cuvée and is reminiscent of the 1991. Ripe, flamboyant, and incredibly sexy, it nevertheless shows the classic style of this estate, has nothing out of place and just glides across the palate. Blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, cedar box, new leather, and an almost garrigue-like character all emerge from this full-bodied, silky, seamless effort that has fine tannin, perfectly integrated acidity, tannins, alcohol, and a great, great finish. Drink it any time over the coming 2-3 decades. It's a tour de force in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and one of the greats. - Jeb Dunnuck

A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2012 Dominus has a deep garnet color. It soars with expressive notes of black cherry compote, black raspberries, and cassis, leading to gentle wafts of tree bark, graphite, violets, and anise, plus a touch of cracked black pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate shimmers with energetic black and red berry layers, supported by ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. - Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Flirting with perfection, the 2012 Dominus is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Five thousand cases were produced, a relatively modest amount from this large vineyards big crop. Christian Moueix told me that there was plenty of heat in 2012, but there were no excessive hot spells that can plague Napa Valley vintners during the growing season and harvest. This wines opaque plum/purple color is accompanied by a beautiful nose of sweet cr¬me de cassis, a touch of background oak (only 40% new oak is used), spice box, cedarwood, black cherries and a hint of spring flowers. The complex, intense aromatics are followed by a deep, opulent, multidimensional, full-bodied wine with not a hard edge to be found. Everything is seamlessly crafted in this beauty and the vintages abundant richness is well-displayed. This 2012 can be drunk in its exuberant youthfulness or cellared for another 20-25 years.

The California outpost of Pomerol and St.-Emilions famed proprietor, Christian Moueix has been working at this iconic vineyard, Yountvilles Napanook, for over twenty years. Many decades ago this was the origin of some of the great Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignons.

The 2012 and 2013 vintages were two of the greatest for Christian Moueix at Dominus in his long and distinguished career. Think of these as more modern day versions of the 1991 and 1994, two extraordinary early vintages at Dominus. Christian Moueix considers 2013 to be the greatest vintage of his illustrious career. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Fabulous purity and clarity of fruit. Blackcurrants, blackberries and violets. Full body, big soft tannins and a chocolate, hazelnut and dark fruit character. Some hot stones. Fruit at the finish. Ripe and velvety finish. Better in 2020 but delicious to drink now. Wonderful Dominus. -James Suckling

The 2012 Dominus is a real head-turner. Flashy, voluptuous and intense, but with tons of underlying concentration, the 2012 is simply magnificent. A towering, vertical Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Dominus is one of the most concentrated wines of the vintage, yet it also maintains considerable freshness, the signature of a late-ripening vintage with no heat spikes. Sweet red cherry, raspberry and floral notes add lift on the perfumed, expressive finish. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. -Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. The Dominus 2012 exemplifies the finest qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon from an ideal vintage. The intriguing nose offers a depth of aromas including lavender, Asian spices and cedar. Soft, supple tannins buoy layers of dark earth and cocoa. The wine is racy yet refined with a long elegant finish. -
Winemaker's Notes