The Wine

Dominus, Napa, USA 1991

Profile: All Dominus wines to date, including the 1991, originate solely from the Bordeaux varieties grown at Napanook Vineyard. The 1991 is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 19% Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Petit Verdot.

The 1991 Dominus has a deep ruby color, and possesses extraordinary intensity and balance, as well as phenomenal richness and fruit. The wine exhibits silky tannins with a full-bodied palate and an elegant, long finish.

Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, Earthy and Floral

Wine Facts

  • producer: Dominus
  • varietal: Blend
  • country: USA
  • vintage: 1991
  • region: Napa
  • size: 750ml

The Collector

Eric PorresManaged inventory client since 2017.

Dominus is the one producer for which I have a complete vertical going back to their inaugural vintage in 1983. I drank my first bottle of 1991 Dominus over 15 years ago and it was also the first bottle I decanted for more than 10 hours.

I can still taste the finish – it’s one of the best 5 wines I’ve ever had! I hope to open a 40-year or 50-year vertical one day with a group of close friends and Edouard Moueix at the head of the table.

I can still taste the finish - it’s one of the best 5 wines I’ve ever had!

The Commentary

Wine Advocate - Author Robert Parker

As for the 1991, 6,500 cases were produced of this potentially perfect wine. While this vintage of Dominus contains no Merlot in the blend, every time I taste it I am reminded of a great vintage of Petrus such as 1982, 1989 or 1990. Although different, the 1991 Dominus possesses extraordinary intensity, remarkable opulence, and amazing fruit extraction, all welded to a full-bodied structure.

The wine’s sensational purity and inner-core of depth must be tasted to be believed. The 1991 will be approachable young because of its sweet tannin, yet it exhibits the potential to last for 25 years. Perhaps 1994 will rival it, but for now, the 1991 is unquestionably the greatest Dominus, as well as a potential legend in the making.

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