1996 Dominus, Napa Valley 1x3L

Robert Parker 95

Medium garnet-brick colour. Complex, evolved aromas of black olive, dried cherries, bacon fat, graphic, balsamic, soy and a touch of truffle. The palate is finely knit with crisp acidity and a medium level of very fine tannins pulling together fruit a well balanced amount of earthy / savoury fruit. Very long finish. [31/05/2010]

Vinous 93

Full, saturated red-ruby. Dusty black cherry, plum, game, woodsmoke, herbs and a suggestion of leafy cabernet franc on the nose. Thick and lush in the mouth, with the extravagant sweetness of the best ’96s. This has good structure and grip, but there plenty of deep fruit to buffer the substantial tannins. This wine and the ’97 were both vinified by David Ramey before he moved on to Rudd Estate. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/1999]