Dominus Estate 2012

100 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2012 Dominus is a wild, exotic wine. Harvest began on October 9th and finished on the 21st, both very late by present-day standards. Ripe red cherry, kirsch, cinnamon, incense and rose petals soar out of the glass. Deep and vibrant, with terrific freshness, Dominus is very clearly one of the wines of the year. I loved the 2012 from barrel but found it quite closed right after bottling. Now, after all these years, I finally see the realization of the potential suggested in my barrel tastings. Magnificent.

99+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Checking in as a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that hit 14.3% alcohol, the 2012 Dominus is a sensational wine that certainly ranks with the all-time greats of this cuvée and is reminiscent of the 1991. Ripe, flamboyant, and incredibly sexy, it nevertheless shows the classic style of this estate, has nothing out of place and just glides across the palate. Blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, cedar box, new leather, and an almost garrigue-like character all emerge from this full-bodied, silky, seamless effort that has fine tannin, perfectly integrated acidity, tannins, alcohol, and a great, great finish. It’s a tour de force in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and one of the greats.

98+ Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate
The exuberance and drama in the stunning nose of the dense plum-colored 2012 Dominus offers up notes of Asian spice, ripe, black currants, kirsch, tobacco leaf and Christmas fruitcake. It is full-bodied and opulent, with no hard edges, a seamless integration of acidity, wood and tannin and a density and richness that are built to go on for 25-30 years.

98 Points, James Suckling
Fabulous purity and clarity of fruit. Blackcurrants, blackberries and violets. Full body, big soft tannins and a chocolate, hazelnut and dark fruit character. Some hot stones. Fruit at the finish. Ripe and velvety finish. Better in 2020 but delicious to drink now. Wonderful Dominus.