| Producer | Dominus Estate |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 1997 |
| Sku | 19178 |
| Size | 750ml |
A mature expression of Dominus’s Bordeaux-style vision, the 1997 vintage blends ~86.5 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 % Cabernet Franc, and 4.5 % Merlot. Over time, the wine has developed richly into its secondary and tertiary layers: tobacco, earth, smoke, black cherry, cassis, anise, and leather all converge in complexity.
On the palate it shows a soft, plush texture with medium to full body. Despite its maturity, the structure remains present: fine tannins, balanced acidity, and an extended finish marked by mineral and spice echoes. Because it’s well into maturity, decanting before serving will help to awaken subtle aromatics and soften any remaining grip. The wine pairs beautifully with game meats, braised beef, wild mushrooms, or rich dishes that echo its depth.
The 1997 Dominus, a blend of 86.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 4.5% Merlot, is showing fabulously well. With 14.1% alcohol and a pH that would make many New World oenologists shudder (about 3.95), this wine is a fleshy, silky-textured, opulent wine with a gorgeous nose of roasted herbs, coffee, jammy black cherry and plum-like fruit.
Deep berry, cinnamon, briar and mint aromas. Firm, even backwards, it is trim and elegant, yet solid. Black fruit and bitter-chocolate flavors abound. The finish is especially tight, with dry tannins and complex mineral and earth elements. Huge but refined, the quintessential iron fist in a velvet glove.
A wine of substance and depth. Dark, rich and polished, with complex notes of earthy, meaty currant, anise, spice, cedar and leather, fanning out on the finish. Young and concentrated. Better than previously reviewed.
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