Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2011 Dominus, which had the misfortunate to follow the virtually perfect 2010, is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc (5,000 cases produced). The late harvest began on October 15 and finished on October 24. This is an elegant Dominus with good opulence, a deep plum/garnet color, and notes of tobacco leaf, forest floor, underbrush, red and blackcurrants, plum sauce and Asian soy. Medium to full-bodied on the attack and mid-palate, it falls off slightly in the mouth (a characteristic of the 2011 vintage). It should be fully mature in another year or two, and last for 10-12 years. It is undoubtedly a success in this challenging vintage. Oct 2014, www.robertparker.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Savory herbs, menthol, smoke and licorice are some of the aromas that open up in the glass in the 2011 Dominus. This is a relatively immediate, expressive Dominus with plenty of near-term appeal. The style is open and succulent for the year, with lovely balance and poise. Crushed rose petals and dried herbs linger in the close. With time in the glass, the 2011 fleshes out nicely. In 2011 Dominus is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Nov 2013, www.vinous.com, Drink: 2017-2031
(86% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot and 5% cabernet franc): Bright red-ruby. Riper on the nose than the Napanook bottling, offering scents of redcurrant, espresso and bitter chocolate. Sweeter in the mouth as well, showing considerably more fat and attractive floral lift to its flavors of dark berries, herbs, pepper, licorice and spices. Fine-grained and concentrated but still a bit youthfully compact, in need of at least a few years of bottle aging to absorb some of its tannins. 90+. May 2014, www.vinous.com
Wonderful aromas of tobacco, currant, berry and mineral. Ink and lead pencil. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely texture and freshness. Not the amazing 2010 but excellent. Better in 2015. May 2014, www.jamessuckling.com
About the producer
Dominus Estate – the Napa property owned by Christian Moueix of Pétrus and La Fleur-Pétrus – has rapidly earned cult status.