The 2019 Dominus Estate offers rich dark fruit aromas like black plum and cherries, with hints of tobacco and earthiness. The palate is complex and full-bodied, balanced by fresh acidity and soft tannins. It's approachable now but will continue to develop beautifully with age.

Lisa Perotti-Brown | LPB 99+
Published: Feb 26, 2021

Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Dominus slowly emerges from the glass with profound notes of blackcurrant cordial, ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of violets, star anise, cracked black pepper, raspberry leaves and pencil lead, plus a touch of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit layers, creating a beguiling sense of richness that is beautifully countered by invigorating freshness and great poise, framed by super ripe, plush tannins and beautiful tension, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note and, finally, lots of mineral sparks. For all that it is at the moment, one cannot help but feel that this 2018 is holding something back. Give it a good five years in bottle, at least, and then get set for what I suspect will be a mind-blowing transformation over the next 30 years+.

The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: May 31, 2022
Drink: 2023-2040

The 2019 Dominus is blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new French oak. Impressively dark-hued in the glass, it yields scents of cherries and cassis on the nose—or is it black cherries and redcurrants? Subtle notes of mocha, pencil shavings and almost Graves-like earthiness wind through the concentrated, medium to full-bodied palate, giving it a sense of savory gravitas, while the finish is silky and long, leaving a lingering residue of soft tannins and mouthwatering freshness. 

Jamessuckling,com | JS 98
Published: Mar 14, 2022

Lots of crushed stone, lead pencil and licorice aromas that are extremely aromatic and bright. Black cherries, cloves and purple fruit, too. Full body and a round and ripe center-palate with a juicy interior. It opens at the end with a savory and juicy finish. Layered and beautiful. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.

Dominusestate.com

Dominus 2019 opens gradually with sweet tobacco, marjoram and jasmine leading to a resonant core of iron and black plum.

Vintage summary: 2019 was characterized by a wet winter and wet spring and contrasting temperatures. January was warmer than average followed by the coldest February since 1998. April was the second warmest April after 2013 and May was rainy and particularly cold. An early heatwave reaching 102 F on June 10th and 11th represented a violent change of temperature after a very cold month of May. With saturated soils and warm temperatures, the vines had exuberant shoot growth throughout the summer. Summer was warm with high temperatures from June to September higher than the historical average. 

Harvest Start: September 29
Harvest End: October 10
Bottling Date: June 2021
Percent New Barrels: 40%
Cases Produced: 3500
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 90%, Cabernet Franc: 4%, Petit Verdot: 6%
Release Date: June 2022