The 2005 Dominus continues to strut its stuff, tasting like a Napa hybrid blend of a St.-Emilion and Pomerol. Its dark ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by notions of cedarwood, spice box, roasted herbs, sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, licorice, and truffles. Full-bodied with excellent fruit intensity, complex aromatics, supple tannins, and a long finish, this 7,000-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot should drink well for two decades or more.

Tasted in London at the Moueix tasting. This is a fabulous Dominus, probably one of the best that I have tasted at an early juncture. The nose just soars from the glass: blackcurrants, cassis, black plum and iodine. Wonderful definition. The palate is full-bodied, quite sinewy in fact, suggesting that this will be a long-term Dominus. Very focused, grippy, layers of pure black fruits tinged with liquorices with a lot of puppy fat on the finish! It has a glossy allure now, but it has the depth and length to merit at least 10-years cellaring to let it reach its full potential. Wonderful. Drink 2017-2030. Tasted April 2009.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colour. Vibrant scents of warm blackcurrants, plums, mocha, vanilla, cloves and nutmeg with a whiff of smoked meat. On the palate this vintage provides the characteristic high level of acidity matched by firm fine tannins and a lot of rich, concentrated fruit yielding a more opulent style. Very long finish with lots of spice.

The 2005 harvest did not begin until the 29th of September, three days after the date the 2004 harvest terminated. It continued for over three weeks, and yields were crop-thinned several times because it was such a big crop. According to Christian Moueix, it was Napa’s coldest September in over three decades. A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2005 Dominus exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a classic bouquet of fresh herbs, spice box, cedar, and black currants. Possessing more austere tannin and a tighter framework than the 2004, Moueix believes it is a more elegant and lighter version of the 2001. It will need 3-4 years of bottle age, and should easily keep for two decades. Not yet released. Previously recommended: 2003 Dominus (95), 2003 Napanook (90). Tel. (707) 944-8954; Fax (707) 944-0547