2021 Dominus Estate Napa Valley (Christian Moueix)

One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn't get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it's rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (or possibly 2013) version, and I suspect it will follow a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and they will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero. ~100 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Dominus, 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, is opaque purple-black in color. It needs a lot of coaxing to lure out scents of freshly crushed blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, stewed plums, and boysenberries, giving way to subtle nuances of violets, licorice, and tar, plus a touch of cedar in the background. The full-bodied palate is taut with densely laden, muscular black fruits framed by a firm, grainy texture and well-played tension, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. A stunning vinous record of time and place, this is a 50-year+ Napa Cabernet to be experienced across generations. ~100 The Wine Palate

~100 The Wine Independent

The purity of the cabernet fruit is so enticing, with blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles and subtle graphite. Touches of terra cotta and licorice. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are wonderfully polished, giving a cashmere texture that is really luxurious to taste at this early stage. It is quenching and so delicious already. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Needs three to four years to come around, but already a joy to taste. ~99 James Suckling, Top 100 Wines of the World 2024

The 2021 Dominus is a 3,700-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, with 40% of the wine matured in new French oak. Black cherries and cassis lead the way, accented by scents of crushed stone and pencil shavings. It's full-bodied, rich and concentrated, dark and intense, with ample tannins, but those tannins are ripe and well-rounded without being overly soft or creamy, gliding easily into a long, mocha-tinged finish. As a whole, the wine exhibits wonderful balance, even if it will benefit from 5 or 10 years in the cellar. ~98 Robert Parker

This shows density on par with the ’18, with a core of cassis and plum notes still tucked away a bit behind a wall of structure, while singed toast and licorice hints peek in throughout. The youthfully backward aspect shows on the finish as well, where this throws a chunk of tannins to the fore. Very concentrated and with serious tension, this is a strapping young wine that shows what a warm and very dry vintage feels like. ~96-99 Wine Spectator

The 2021 Dominus is a powerful, tightly coiled wine that is holding back quite a bit of reserve. There's real depth and resonance waiting to emerge as the wine matures. Floral overtones and bright acids confer energy to a core of red/bluish fruits. Readers will find a Dominus built more on linear precision rather than opulence. It is hugely impressive in this tasting, with a long chalky finish. ~98 Vinous Media

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