2001 Dominus Napa Valley (Bin Soiled Label)

98 Points from Robert Parker: "A brilliant showing for Christian Moueix’s well-known Napanook Vineyard, the 2001 Dominus is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. A classic in the making, this is a flawless, seamless example of elegant, complex Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that possesses a Bordeaux-like personality. This gorgeous, sexy, opulent, dense ruby/purple-colored wine reveals sweet caramel, mocha, creme de cassis and kirsch notes intermixed with a hint of espresso roast as well as underbrush. Ripe, long and full-bodied with well-integrated tannin, acidity, alcohol and wood, this prodigious 2001 is drinkable now and over the next 25+ years given this estate’s longevity track record. A virtually perfect wine, it is one of the most complex 2001s at present." (5/1/2011)

98 Points Vinous: "The 2001 Dominus is one of the most backward wines of the vintage. Readers who own it will have to be patient, as the 2001 needs a few years to still be at its best! Time in the glass brings out huge dark fruit along with hints of iron, gravel, spice and leather that add to its brooding, imposing personality. The 2001 is approachable with a few hours of air, but is very much a powerhouse. Boris Champy was the winemaker, while Jean-Claude Berrouet was the consulting winemaker" (10/2021)

94 Points and a "Cellar Selection" designation from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "As good as the 2001 Napanook is, this wine is more intense. The fruit is lusher, the oak newer, the control more complete, but the kicker is the tannins. They're powerful and dusty, and conceal the flamboyance, for now. Needs time; hold until 2010 and beyond." (10/1/2004)

From Wine Spectator: "Delivers charred tobacco leaf and dried sage nuances, with a core of steeped dark currant and blackberry fruit. Very earthy through the finish, with a strong humus accent lending this a slightly rustic persona. This is also a touch volatile, with a high-pitched floral hint. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. -- Non-blind Dominus retrospective (August 2022). Drink now through 2027. 7,000 cases made." (10/20/2022)