Reviews
March 2022 98 Points JamesSuckling.com
“Lots of crushed stone, lead pencil and licorice aromas that are extremely aromatic and bright. Black cherries, cloves and purple fruit, too. Full body and a round and ripe center-palate with a juicy interior. It opens at the end with a savory and juicy finish. Layered and beautiful. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.”
March 2022 94+ Points The Wine Independent
“The 2019 Napanook is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot, harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it springs from the glass with Morello cherries, black raspberries, and black currant pastilles scents, followed by hints of cinnamon toast, chocolate box, pencil shavings, and menthol, plus a waft of lilacs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with vibrant, energetic black and red fruits, framed by beautifully plush tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long with a spicy lift. It is scrumptious right now in this fruity flush of youth, albeit with a good six hours+ in a decanter. Otherwise, leave it a good 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 18+ years. 2450 cases were made, to be released in April 2022.”
March 2022 100 Points The Wine Independent
“Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Dominus was harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose slowly unfurls to unveil beguiling floral notes of candied violets and rose oil over a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, giving way to notions of licorice, Indian spices, iron ore, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, intertwined with gorgeous floral and exotic spice accents, and framed by firm, finely grained tannins with seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. Tightly coiled with so much latent energy waiting to explode, this is a spectacular expression of the vintage and Napanook vineyard. Still tightly coiled, give it a good 6-7 years in the cellar before broaching, and allow it a few hours in a decanter if consumed before 2032. 3500 cases were made, to be released in May 2022.”
October 31, 2021 92 Points Wine Spectator
“Tightly packed, with red and black currant and cherry reduction notes compressed with sanguine, iron and singed cedar streaks. The long, finely tuned finish has a mouthwatering echo. Approachable, but no rush. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032.”
October 31, 2021 97 Points, #1 Wine of the Year Wine Spectator
“This is tightly packed, with sleek, pure, driven notes of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry puree allied to an iron spine, while subtle alder, juniper, sweet bay leaf and tobacco notes peek in throughout. Very fine-grained, but impressively sturdy in feel, with a long, lingering note of iron piercing the finish. For the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040.”