Winery Story

Dominus Estate, produced by the John Daniel Society, is made solely from grapes grown on the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, California. In 1990, for the first time in the history of Dominus, all four classic Bordeaux grape varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) were included in the final blend. In the vineyard, an important concern was the 4 inches of rain that fell between the 20th and the 30th of May. As usual, nature was full of surprises. This rain saved the vintage by providing the moisture that the vineyard needed. December 1989 was the first rainless December in this century, and only 18 inches of rain had fallen since the previous July. As the month of May began, the season appeared to be headed toward drought. The 4 inches of rain at the end of May saved the vintage. August and September were neither too hot, nor too cool, and allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and fully, with well-balanced acid and mature tannins.

Tasting Note

A little sediment, but nothing major. Clear, plummy color moving toward red. Complex nose screams Bordeaux, with cedar, cassis and tobacco, with some chocolate and Asian spice in the background. Palate is elegant, with cedar and spice on the attack, with the fruit (black cherries, plums, currants) coming through on the full mid-palate. Finish is a bit disappointing - while the tannins are nicely integrated, the fruit and spice flavors die out too quickly leaving some bitterness and a little vanilla oakiness. Overall, a pleasing wine, but not worth what it's selling for now. I don't think this will benefit much from additional cellar time.