2014 Dominus, Napa Valley

Deep ruby, purple reflections, discreet brightening on rim. Attractive black fruit, underlaid with spices and nuances of ripe cherries, some nougat, subtle ethereal touch. Powerful, taut, sweet dark berry confit, vivid, supporting tannins, mineral and chocolate nuances on the finish, great length. One should still exercise patience here.

99 points Falstaff March 2018

Loads of dark tobacco aromas with blackcurrants and black olives. Boysenberries, too. Full to medium body, ultra-fine tannins and lots of flavors of smoke, dried roasted chillis, black truffles, mushrooms and fruit. Bright acidity on the finish. Sexy and subtle austerity. Alluring. Very approachable now but better in 2021.

98 points James Suckling

The 2014s, where the production of Napanook was only 2,200 cases and Dominus slightly more than the 2015 at 4,000 cases, was another early harvest, although somewhat later than 2015. The 2014 Dominus, which is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot really struts its stuff. Moueix’s belief in dry farming seems to be paying off with stronger and stronger vintages, each successive year, and the 2014 is a sexy, opulent, layered, multidimensional wine with notes of red and blackcurrant, cedar wood, tobacco leaf , spice box and licorice. The color is a dense plum/ruby/purple, much like the Napanook. This is a beauty that is already drinking gorgeously – as most 2014s are – and will continue to evolve for 25 or so years.

97 points The Wine Advocate

Dominus is one of Napa Valley's most iconic estates, founded by Christian Moueix of Château Pétrus fame with a vision of expressing the unique character of the historic Napanook Vineyard. Blending Bordeaux tradition with California's exceptional terroir, Dominus has become one of the world's most sought after Cabernet based wines, celebrated for its precision, balance and extraordinary longevity.

The legendary Napanook Vineyard lies in the Yountville AVA, where deep gravelly soils and a warm Mediterranean climate provide ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Farmed with meticulous attention to detail and minimal intervention, the vineyard consistently produces wines of remarkable purity, structure and finesse. The outstanding 2014 vintage combines richness with freshness, offering a beautifully poised expression of this world class estate.

The colour remains an inky deep ruby with youthful garnet reflections. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and black cherry unfold alongside graphite, cedar, cigar box and crushed violets. Layers of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and exotic spice emerge with time in the glass, while the palate delivers exceptional concentration wrapped in polished tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is seamless, powerful and incredibly persistent, revealing the hallmark elegance that defines Dominus.

An unforgettable match for dry aged wagyu, roast venison, beef Wellington or black truffle infused dishes. Drinking magnificently with a generous decant, this is a Napa Valley icon that will continue to reward patient cellaring for decades.