2019  

100 Points: "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. Drink date 2025-2043." - Lisa Perrotti Brown, The Wine Independent (March 2022) ---- 98 Points: "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." - James Suckling (April 2022)

2000  

2007  Christian Moueix

2009  

"The 2009 Dominus is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet colored, it rolls easily, sensuously out of the glass with evolving fruit notes of baked blackcurrants, plum preserves, mulberries and fruitcake plus underlying suggestions of charcuterie, camphor, chocolate-covered cherries and candied violets with just a touch of cast iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in balance, with loads of emerging black fruit and earthy layers and a solid line of finely grained tannins, finishing very long with a perfumed lift." - 99pts WA

2016  

"The 2016 Syrah Cuvée Christine shows just how compelling this vintage is at Donelan. Gracious and lifted, but showing striking depth, the Cuvée Christine is magnificently complete from the very first taste. A rush of dark red/purplish berry fruit, wild flowers, mint, pine, rose petal and spice builds as this classy, polished Syrah shows off its alluring personality. There is much to love about this arrestingly beautiful Syrah. "- 97 points Vinous Media

2016  Cabernet Sauvignon

"The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Waterhorse Ridge comes from a very small vineyard of about two acres - so small that the grapes are harvested together and co-vinified. It's generally a blend of about 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It was aged in about 25% new wood. Medium ruby-purple, it has a pretty nose of blackcurrants, black cherries, dust and classic touches of blackcurrant bud and bay leaf with notes of chocolate-covered blueberries, fresh tobacco leaves and violets. Medium-bodied, it offers delicate intensity of classic, pure Cabernet flavors, with an elegant frame of finely grained tannins and excellent freshness to lift the finish. I very much enjoy this clean, pure, refreshing and no-makeup-added style of Cabernet Sauvignon!" - 91pts WA

2013  Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

2011  (writing on label)

(writing on label)

2007  

2009  

"Combines firm, structured tannins and acidity, framing a juicy core of dark berry fruit that's intense. Ends with a floral black licorice edge. Best from 2013 through 2026." - 92pts WS

2018  

96+pts Vinous

2004  

"You can't help but taste the harvest heat in this wine, which brims with blackberry and cherry flavors that verge, not on raisins, but what happens when pie filling spills over into the pan and bakes. The wine is very high in alcohol and thus it's soft as chocolate pudding." - Wine Enthusiast