Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2008

99 points Robert Parker: "Made in a more masculine style, the 2008 Dominus has all of that along with bigger body and more structure, fat, density and texture. Both are brilliant wines and they represent the finest back-to-back vintages for Dominus since 2001 and 2002 or 1990 and 1991. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years. (Dec 2010)"

98 points (19.5/20) Decanter: "Now 30 years old, this venture is a Californian classic. But the real success is how Christian Moueix, proprietor of Pétrus, so fine-tuned his approach with Cabernet while turning his back on Merlot. The 2008 is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. While oak may be Napa's mainstay, Dominus sees just 40% new barrels, leaving its fatemore to a relentless focus on sorting and the Napanook vineyard's sublime soils. A sweet floral edge enlivens creamy blackberry, sandalwood and gravelly mineral, with well-robed tannins that only appear at the finish. For all the flesh, this has long-lived savoury nuance. Drink: 2013-2028. Alcohol: 14.1%. (May 2012)"

95 points James Suckling: "This is very pure fruit for Dominus. This will be interesting to see how it develops in the future. 2008 was a very small crop. Very perfumed and beautiful, with currants, flowers, and notes of mint. Full-bodied, with round velvety tannins that lead up to a chocolate and ripe berry finish. This is showing great fruit, and a great finish. Structurally this is like a 2005 La Mission. Best after 2014. (6/15/11)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Very Bordeaux-like in its makeup and structure, this firm wine has good acidity and tight tannins, offering complex loamy earth, vivid dried currant and berry, with anise and mineral sprinkled in. This is my favorite young Dominus of late. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. (8/31/11)"