Source: jamessuckling.com. Issue Date: July 28, 2015 (JS-95)

This is shows wonderful aromas of tar, asphalt, wet earth and pure cherries. Full-bodied yet soft and velvety with a fine, dusty texture to the finish. Fresh and austere. Dignified. This has no cabernet franc in it this year; normally there is 3% to 5%. It’s 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% petit verdot. Drink or hold.

Source: 221, The Wine Advocate, Issue Date: 30th Oct 2015 ; (RP-93)

The second wine, the 2012 Napanook Proprietary Red Wine has a similar profile, but certainly comes across as less nuanced and slightly less concentrated and profound compared to its bigger sister. It is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It does reflect the fact that the selection process has gotten so severe that the second wine at Dominus is really special in top vintages such as 2012 or 2013. The wine has low acidity, beautiful ripe black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a hint of unsmoked cigar tobacco and a touch of roasted herbs in the finish. This is a beauty to drink over the next 15-20 years.
Drink Date: 2016 – 2036

Source: Winemaker

The 2012 Napanook is a clear expression of an exceptional vintage. Pure aromas of fresh strawberry, caramel and minty sage fill the nose. Vigorous and rich with firm, yet integrated tannins, the wine offers earthy complexity, dark cocoa and roasted almonds on a long lingering finish.
Celebrating its 17th vintage, Napanook dons a new label in 2012. The bold black and white design reflects the wine?s maturity, definition and class.

VINTAGE SUMMARY
2012 enjoyed a perfect growing season. Plentiful rainfall in March and April lessened winter drought concerns, and a mild spring with few temperature fluctuations contributed to an even budbreak and a healthy bloom. Summer temperatures were consistently warm, without excessive heat spikes, which provided conditions for slow, homogenous maturation of fruit, exhibiting great character and richness.

BLEND: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot
BEGINNING DATE OF HARVEST: October 9
FINAL DATE OF HARVEST: October 21
PERCENTAGE OF NEW BARRELS: 20%
BOTTLING DATE: June 2014
9-LITER CASES PRODUCED: 3000
RELEASE DATE: May 2015