2016 Dominus, Napa Valley

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. Drink in 2021.

98 points James Suckling

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 Jeb Dunnuck

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.

100 points The Wine Advocate

Christian Moueix has created something extraordinary at Dominus, combining the elegance and restraint of Bordeaux with the remarkable character of Napa Valley. Born into the family behind Château Pétrus, Moueix established Dominus at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, where his meticulous approach has produced some of California's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon based wines. The 2016 is a magnificent example, earning widespread acclaim as one of the estate's greatest vintages.

The exceptional 2016 growing season delivered a long, even ripening period, producing fruit with remarkable concentration, freshness and beautifully developed tannins. The blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Rather than pursuing sheer richness, Dominus favours balance, aromatic complexity and the distinctive mineral character of its gravelly vineyard soils.

Deep ruby red with dark purple reflections. Blackcurrant, ripe blackberry and Morello cherry mingle with violet, graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf and subtle notes of dried sage. The palate is wonderfully concentrated yet remarkably graceful, with finely woven tannins, vibrant acidity and an almost seamless texture. Hints of dark chocolate, liquorice and crushed stone carry through an exceptionally long, savoury finish.

Try it with slow roasted lamb shoulder and rosemary, dry aged beef with porcini mushrooms, or a rich eggplant and lentil moussaka. Its elegance and depth also make it a superb partner for duck with black truffle and a delicate red wine reduction.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2050+. Already developing beautifully, with the concentration and structure to evolve for decades. Decanting is recommended for bottles opened in their youth.