Tasting Note                         

96   1991  Dominus  Napa Valley    4/12/09 ($75)

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot  13.5% alc
Color: Medium red brick garnet. Looks fully mature with some clearing. (3.0) Bouquet: Elegant peak claret with complex burnt caramel, black ink and sweet cassis. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight plus with perfect balance of fruit, tannin, acidity and complexity. Elegant with a silky mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with sweet cassis and tea. (3.5) Finish: Parallels bouquet with complex green tea and black ink nuances lingering. Elegant, but persistent. (3.5)
Overall: A great red Bordeaux from CA. What it lacks in power and concentration, it makes up for in class and complexity. Compellingly complex, in fact, with sweet mature fruit, Asian tea and wonderful drinkability. Similar to a mature right bank Bordeaux, despite the blend. At its best right now, but should hold for a few years more. I suspect the Cabernet Franc makes a significant contribution to the level of complexity. (17.0)