The 2021 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine is a highly acclaimed wine from the esteemed Dominus estate in Napa, California. This proprietary blend is predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (95%) with a minor addition of Cabernet Franc (5%). The wine is bottled with a cork closure and has an alcohol content of 15.0%.
The 2021 vintage has received exceptional reviews from multiple professional reviewers, with high praise for its complexity and aging potential. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a perfect score of 100, noting that it is “unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991.” He described it as having a “dense purple hue” and an “incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices.” Dunnuck also highlighted its rich, full-bodied nature, and voluptuous texture, adding that it has ripe yet building tannins. He recommends hiding bottles for 7-8 years for a graceful evolution over 30+ years (jebdunnuck.com, 12/26/2023).
Similarly, The Wine Independent also gave the 2021 Dominus a perfect score of 100. They described its color as “opaque purple-black” and noted that it needs considerable coaxing to reveal its complex aromas of blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, stewed plums, and boysenberries. The reviewer further mentioned that the wine has a “firm grainy texture and well-played tension,” with a finish that lingers on a “ferrous note.” According to them, this vintage is a “50-year+ Napa Cabernet to be experienced across generations” (The Wine Independent, 5/30/2024).
Vinous awarded the wine a score of 98, describing it as “powerful, tightly-coiled” and possessing “real depth and resonance.” They highlighted its floral overtones and bright acids, which confer energy to the core of red/bluish fruits. The review praised the wine’s linear precision and its long chalky finish (Vinous, 12/1/2023).
Wine Spectator provided a score range of 96-99, noting the wine’s density and concentrated nature. They drew comparisons with the 2018 vintage, commenting on its core of cassis and plum notes, singed toast, and licorice hints. The review acknowledged the wine’s youthful backward aspect and significant tannins (Wine Spectator, 10/20/2022).
James Suckling also gave a glowing review with a score of 99. He praised the purity of the Cabernet fruit, with enticing notes of blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles, and subtle graphite. The review highlighted the wine’s full-bodied nature and super integrated tannins, describing the texture as luxurious and cashmere-like. Suckling recommends trying the wine after 2027 (jamessuckling.com, 2/20/2024).
Overall, the 2021 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine is a standout vintage that is highly regarded for its complexity, aging potential, and luxurious texture. It is recommended to cellar this wine for a few years to fully appreciate its evolution and depth.