Easily rivaling the excellent 2021—might it be even better?—Dominus's 2023 Napanook originates largely from the middle portion of the vineyard as a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Qualitatively and stylistically, it sits nicely between the lighter, crisper Othello and the vin de garde produced from the more gravelly section of the vineyard at the back, closest to the Mayacamas. Cherries and dusty loam are joined by hints of vanilla on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is lush, with a seductive swell of fruit and tannins that flows seamlessly into a long finish tinged with black olives and black tea, framed by soft tannins.

Coming primarily from the front of the property, closest to Highway 29, the 2023 Othello Red Wine sees the least new oak of the three wines emanating from the Dominus vineyard, only 15% to 20%. This blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot offers up a pleasant mix of cherries, pomegranate and cassis, plus subtle herbal notes and a hint of orange zest on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is silky-textured, ending on a tart, cranberry-ish note.

The only one of the Dominus wines to show more than a hint of wood, the 2023 Dominus matured in 40% new French oak, leaving it marked by caramel and cedar overtones. Yet that oak aging is balanced by plenty of black cherry fruit and loamy earth notes, blending easily into a harmonious whole. Medium- to full-bodied, this rich, almost creamy blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot finishes with velvety tannins borne on a finish that unfolds to reveal incredible persistence and complexity.

Aromas of roasted berries, plum skins, spice mélange and flowers drive the nose of this wine. The plush and tannic palate delivers flavors of baked cherry, raspberry liqueur, pithy orange peel, and black tea across the finish.

With aromas of orange sorbet, cardamom, and lemon verbena-flavored syrup, this icewine provides a decadent perfume that could be dabbed on various pulse points. With a creamy texture that can be described as mouthfilling goodness, the wine’s flavors of honey butter spread on blood orange-flavored olive oil cake glide across the palate in glorious fashion. If you think you need a special occasion to open this bottle, change your ways or make one up, stat