Winemaker Notes

The source for the wines is the historic Napanook Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley that has been in production since the late 19th century. Located at the heart of the Napa Valley, the vineyard benefits from warm days but is kept cool by the breezes that pass over the Mayacamas Mountains.

Critical Acclaim

RP 99
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
 
JS 95
James Suckling
This is very pure fruit for Dominus. This will be interesting to see how it develops in the future. 2008 was a very small crop. Very perfumed and beautiful, with currants, flowers, and notes of mint. Full bodied, with round velvety tannins that lead up to a chocolate and ripe berry finish. This is showing great fruit, and a great finish. Structurally this is like a 2005 La Mission. This will be out in May 2011.
 
WS 94
Wine Spectator
Very Bordeaux-like in its makeup and structure, this firm wine has good acidity and tight tannins, offering complex loamy earth, vivid dried currant and berry, with anise and mineral sprinkled in. This is my favorite young Dominus of late. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022.
 
W&S 93
Wine & Spirits
A short crop of concentrated berries produced this grand vintage of Dominus, one that will need long aging to show its best. Decant it if you open the bottle now, allowing the initial cabernet franc scent of green herbs to integrate—Josiah Baldivino of Michael Mina in San Francisco described it as "adding a fine detail, like a pocket square in a suit." Air brings out the full stature of the wine, its black cherry richness, violet scents and silken texture.
 
WE 92
Wine Enthusiast
Another fine Dominus, dry, well-structured and ageworthy. Lacks the flashiness of the dramatic 2007, but is still ripe and rich enough to drink now, and should develop over the next six years. Rewards for the depth of blackberries, cassis, blueberries and cedar, wrapped into plush tannins.

Dominus Estate 2008

  • Product Code: 789365736
  • Availability: In Stock
  • $274.99

  • Ex Tax: $274.99