Dominus Estate 2002

"Dominus is a large vineyard, and they have the ability to make a strict selection. The 2002 Dominus gets my nod as the greatest example of this cuvee since the 1991 and 1994. There are 4,500 cases of this 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot blend fashioned from minuscule yields ranging from 1.8 to 2.8 tons of fruit per acre. Christian Moueix told me that the phenolic material was higher analytically in 2002, as were the acids, which surprised everyone. The deep, saturated purple-colored 2002 boasts an extraordinary perfume of roasted coffee intermixed with black currants, cherries, cocoa, cedar, cigar smoke, and new saddle leather. A classic, full-bodied palate possesses great structure, tremendous depth, loads of tannin, and a multilayered, concentrated yet elegant finish. It is difficult to predict when this beauty will plateau in terms of maturity. My best guess is it needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should last for 25 years."

96 Points

The Wine Advocate

"A great vintage of Dominus, this wine combines staying power with tremendous elegance on release. Christian Moueix has farmed John Daniel's classic vineyard since 1983; he now works with Boris Champy to make this wine. If you can procure a case, the complex red fruit scents and satin pleasure of the texture make it well worth opening a bottle now. Plan to drink most of it between 2010 and 2014, when the earthy tannins will have fully matured, adding more complexity to that voluptuous texture. Then save a few bottles to see whether this or the '01 will age best."

94 Points

Wine & Spirits