A perfumed and refined nose of rose petal, orange rind, raspberry and coriander flower. This elegant nature continues through the palate, which is lacy and plush, but becomes quite rustic on the finish. Continues to evolve over hours and days, never showing itself the same way twice. Still laying in wait, although perfectly enjoyable now.

Savory herbs, menthol, smoke and licorice are some of the aromas that open up in the glass in the 2011 Dominus. This is a relatively immediate, expressive Dominus with plenty of near-term appeal. The style is open and succulent for the year, with lovely balance and poise. Crushed rose petals and dried herbs linger in the close. With time in the glass, the 2011 fleshes out nicely. In 2011 Dominus is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Coming from a cool, wet, incredibly challenging year, the 2011 Dominus is nevertheless a beautiful wine that exhibits a Bordeaux-like style in its darker fruits, foresty, damp earth, and herbal, cedary nuances, medium body, soft, supple mouthfeel, and resolved tannins. This elegant, silky, mature Dominus is in the middle of its prime drinking window and should hold nicely for another decade. It's nowhere near a great vintage for this estate, but it's clearly an outstanding wine, and Bordeaux lovers, as well as old school Napa lovers out there, will find plenty to love. It needs 30-45 minutes in a decanter to show at its best.

The 2011 Dominus, which had the misfortunate to follow the virtually perfect 2010, is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc (5,000 cases produced). The late harvest began on October 15 and finished on October 24. This is an elegant Dominus with good opulence, a deep plum/garnet color, and notes of tobacco leaf, forest floor, underbrush, red and blackcurrants, plum sauce and Asian soy. Medium to full-bodied on the attack and mid-palate, it falls off slightly in the mouth (a characteristic of the 2011 vintage). It should be fully mature in another year or two, and last for 10-12 years. It is undoubtedly a success in this challenging vintage.

The 2011 Dominus (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc) displays a streak of herbaceousness. Tasting the wine one can see the stress this vineyard on the valley floor must have endured with all the fog and botrytis. It is exceptionally well made in this agonizing year for vignerons, exhibiting a dark plum/ruby hue along with notes of sweet Provencal herbs intertwined with red and black currants, loamy soil, underbrush and spice. This medium-bodied 2011 is best consumed over the next 10-12 years.