94 Points "Savory herbs, menthol, smoke and licorice are some of the aromas that open up in the glass in the 2011 Dominus. This is a relatively immediate, expressive Dominus with plenty of near-term appeal. The style is open and succulent for the year, with lovely balance and poise. Crushed rose petals and dried herbs linger in the close. With time in the glass, the 2011 fleshes out nicely. In 2011 Dominus is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc."

Wonderful aromas of tobacco, currant, berry and mineral. Ink and lead pencil. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely texture and freshness. Not the amazing 2010 but excellent. Better in 2015.

Good dark red. Perfumed, cool nose melds redcurrant, tobacco leaf, licorice, coffee, leather, clove oil and chicory, plus piquant notes of pepper (green, black and white!). Riper, suppler and deeper than the Napanook blend, but still with a pronounced herbal quality to the currant, tobacco leaf and clove oil flavors. More lift here too, though the dusty tannins arrive early. 90-92

The 2011 Dominus, which had the misfortunate to follow the virtually perfect 2010, is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc (5,000 cases produced). The late harvest began on October 15 and finished on October 24. This is an elegant Dominus with good opulence, a deep plum/garnet color, and notes of tobacco leaf, forest floor, underbrush, red and blackcurrants, plum sauce and Asian soy. Medium to full-bodied on the attack and mid-palate, it falls off slightly in the mouth (a characteristic of the 2011 vintage). It should be fully mature in another year or two, and last for 10-12 years. It is undoubtedly a success in this challenging vintage.

Smoke, dried herb, dried currant, tobacco leaf and crushed rock notes give this a strong, assertive personality that veers toward a roasted herb raciness on the finish. Drink now through 2021.