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Dominus Estate Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1996
The 1996 Dominus, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. Although this offering lacks the power, intensity, and compelling characteristics of the 1991 and 1994, it is not far off the pace of those two monumental wines. A super nose of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, black fruits and kirsch is both intense and persuasive. The wine displays terrific richness, medium to full body, low acidity, a succulent, opulent texture, and superb purity. This beautifully made 1996 is one of the few wines that has successfully tamed the vintage's elevated tannin level. It should be relatively drinkable upon its release, yet evolve nicely for two decades. Impressive! Robert Parker
Ratings on Delectable
Conrad Green 
Quite thick with a more floral nose of roses, plum and spice. Very good, with balance and sweetness. Young but excellent
Quite thick with a more floral nose of roses, plum and spice. Very good, with balance and sweetness. Young but excellent
9.3
Yoon Ha
Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu
I've had this wine on the list since we opened and it just gets better and better. A smokin' wine and, as a bonus, brett free.
I've had this wine on the list since we opened and it just gets better and better. A smokin' wine and, as a bonus, brett free.
9.7Andrew Holloway
1996 - Such a good blend of old world flavor and acid with new world texture and fruit
1996 - Such a good blend of old world flavor and acid with new world texture and fruit
9.3
Martin G Rivard
@David A Lentine @Ron R very nice but I was expecting more. We all thought the 2010 cores and the Clarendon hill beat this one. Very good, not insanely great. The wine was very light on the palate. Didn't seem to have the depth, broadness or character of the other 2.drink it now if you have it. Definitely won't get any better.
@David A Lentine @Ron R very nice but I was expecting more. We all thought the 2010 cores and the Clarendon hill beat this one. Very good, not insanely great. The wine was very light on the palate. Didn't seem to have the depth, broadness or character of the other 2.drink it now if you have it. Definitely won't get any better.
9.3Rashmi Primlani
Simply Gorgeous, bold fruit, silky tannins, integrated acidity.
Simply Gorgeous, bold fruit, silky tannins, integrated acidity.
9.4Michael Solway
1996
1996
9.4
Robert Cunningham
Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop
Briars and brambles. Great depth. Powerful fruit and intensity. Savor aromas and lovely balance.
Briars and brambles. Great depth. Powerful fruit and intensity. Savor aromas and lovely balance.
9.3Timothy Eustis
Wine Director, Red Lion Inn
Past its prime. Surely was lovely, some years ago. Too much of that old, funny caramel overtone. I'd have loved it, I'm sure, had timing been better.
Past its prime. Surely was lovely, some years ago. Too much of that old, funny caramel overtone. I'd have loved it, I'm sure, had timing been better.
8.7
Joshua Thomas
Wine Director/Sommelier Prospect Restaurant SF
Magnums show you care. Velvety with tons of sweet fruit
Magnums show you care. Velvety with tons of sweet fruit
9.0
Charlie Beatty
Buyer wineworksonline.com
Dominus 2006 really good , not like 2001 the other night but: really opened up after 1 Plus Hours! Wow ! Love this wine all the time anytime!! Thanks to Lewis Samuel and his Fabulous Wife!!! Charlie
Dominus 2006 really good , not like 2001 the other night but: really opened up after 1 Plus Hours! Wow ! Love this wine all the time anytime!! Thanks to Lewis Samuel and his Fabulous Wife!!! Charlie
9.6
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.