Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 750mL

Rainy days were spread out evenly over the course of a warmer than average winter (November to March: 31.2 inches total, 11.2 inches in March). With soil water reserves full, vines grew quickly with dense canopies.

Bloom and veraison unfolded in warm and dry conditions and one heat spike of 103 F was recorded on July 26th. 

Ripening slowed down in August because of coooler temperatures and late morning fog. Fruit de-leafing and higher temperatures in September (99.2 F on the 18th, 100.8 F on the 25th, 100 F on the 26th) helped fruit to ripen consistently.

Grape Varietals:

Cabernet Sauvignon: 84%, Cabernet Franc: 8%, Petit Verdot: 8%

Tasting Notes:

Filled with notes of deep forest berries, juniper and truffle, Dominus 2016 is restrained and compact. The tightly woven structure promises to reveal fine tannins, earth, lavender and dark chocolate and will improve over many years.

100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, "A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 40% new oak, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is deep purple-black in color and quite reticent at this youthful stage to begin, offering up subtle notions of potpourri, Indian spices, cigar box and iron ore over a core of crushed blackberries and black cherries with intermittent wafts of black and red currants, new leather and smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a densely packed mid-palate and oodles of freshness framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and laced with compelling earthy accents. It offers incredible vibrancy with tons of black and red fruit sparkle in the mid-palate leading to a provocative mineral element on the very long finish. If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would."

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, "Another possible legend in the making is the 2016 Dominus, a classic blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc brought up in 40% new French oak. Pure, pristine notes of charcoal, cold fireplace, smoke tobacco, and both blue and black fruits all flow to a full-bodied 2016 that has incredible elegance and finesse, yet also depth and density. It’s more backward and reserved than the 2015 and needs 4-5 years of cellaring. It will unquestionably live for 25-30 years."

98 Points - James Suckling, "The opulence of fresh flowers and dark fruit is so impressive. There’s so much going on, from flowers to currants. The palate is full and powerful, but what impresses most are the ripe tannins and the amazing poise at the finish. Tightens down at the end. A blend of 84 per cent cabernet sauvignon, eight per cent petit verdot and eight per cent cabernet franc."