Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2001

98 points Robert Parker Jr. (Wine Advocate): "A brilliant showing for Christian Moueix’s well-known Napanook Vineyard, the 2001 Dominus is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. A classic in the making, this is a flawless, seamless example of elegant, complex Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that possesses a Bordeaux-like personality. This gorgeous, sexy, opulent, dense ruby/purple-colored wine reveals sweet caramel, mocha, creme de cassis and kirsch notes intermixed with a hint of espresso roast as well as underbrush. Ripe, long and full-bodied with well-integrated tannin, acidity, alcohol and wood, this prodigious 2001 is drinkable now and over the next 25+ years given this estate’s longevity track record. A virtually perfect wine, it is one of the most complex 2001s at present. Drink 2011-2036 (May 2011)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2001 Dominus is one of the most backward wines of the vintage. Readers who own it will have to be patient, as the 2001 needs a few years to still be at its best! Time in the glass brings out huge dark fruit along with hints of iron, gravel, spice and leather that add to its brooding, imposing personality. The 2001 is approachable with a few hours of air, but is very much a powerhouse. Boris Champy was the winemaker, while Jean-Claude Berrouet was the consulting winemaker. Drink 2026-2041 (Apr 2023)"

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot, the 2001 Dominus is deep garnet-brick in color. It comes barreling out of the glass with powerful notes of baked black plums, crème de cassis, and boysenberry preserves, plus suggestions of smoked meats, mince pies, Indian spices, and camphor. The full-bodied palate is densely laden, rich, and seductive, delivering a whole array of exotic spices, with a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long and decadent. Drink 2023-2038 (Mar 2023)"

97 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "This was one of the most delightfully shocking wines in the lineup I sampled during my visit to Dominus in early 2024. Tasting alongside Tod Graff and Christian Mouiex, we all nodded in agreement. Mouiex noted that the potential was fantastic in 1994, 2001, and 2013. And it showed in the 2001, which continued to impress over a few hours. A beautiful umami-soy quality like Nori and Bonita flakes comprise the aromatics. It is very compact until it just blossoms, revealing a rich, loamy earth intensity and vibrancy with tea-like tannins, curranty-truffle, and dried floral complexities. Includes 4% Cabernet Franc. Drinking window 2024-2034 (Jan 2024)"

96 points International Wine Report: "Christian Moueix has crafted a sensational wine in 2001, which is composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. After 15 years of bottle age this looks be enduring time, as it is still quite vigorous, offering gorgeous aromas of dark cherries and cassis, woven together with tobacco, spices and espresso nuances. On the palate this is full-bodied and beautifully structured with polished tannins and wonderful depth as it expands across the palate into the long, supple, spice-tinged finish. While there is no doubt this is simply delicious, readers considering approaching this shouldn't jump to a hasty decision, as there is still a long future ahead for this age-worthy wine. (Best 2017-2030) - February, 2017."