5 | Wine | 91 or higher, 750 ml | Page 2

"The 2003 is a big, powerful Champagne that will require quite a bit of time to shed some of its baby fat. The trademark textural finesse is there, though. I expect the 2003 to be a highly divisive Champagne because of its extreme personality, but then again, many of the world’s legendary wines were made from vintages considered freakish at the time. The 2003 is an atypically, rich, powerful, vinous Dom Perignon loaded with fruit, structure and personality. It is not for the timid, but rather it is a wine for those who can be patient. No one has a crystal ball, but personally I will not be surprised if in 20 years’ time the 2003 is considered an iconic Champagne."

"An excellent wine from a challenging vintage, with aromas of black cherry and spice opening to rich wild berry, mineral and toasty sage flavors that wrap around a concentrated core of acidity and tannins."

"Firm and finely meshed, with hints of passion fruit and pineapple mixing with poached apple, almond pastry and fleur de sel. Mouthwatering and lightly smoky on the lingering, refined finish."

"Refined, with a sweet, smoky undercurrent to the flavors of glazed pear, candied lemon zest and golden raisin, with a hint of marzipan. Racy acidity frames—but doesn't dominate—the wine, with a spicy note lingering on the finish."

"A sexy, seductive, up-front effort revealing loads of berry fruit along with hints of Provencal herbs, licorice and smoked meats. Evolved, ripe, round, full-bodied and loaded, it can be drunk now or cellared for a decade." 90-92 pts, reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Knockout floral lift to the aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, blond tobacco, almond and mint. Suave, savory and extremely precise, with penetrating flavors of dark berries, licorice, minerals and cocoa powder. The petit verdot component acts as an amplifier of aromas and flavors, notes winemaker Tod Mostero, "like a good seasoning." Medicinal in a Bordeaux way. The finishes shows outstanding length, noteworthy juiciness, and firm, noble tannins. A great vintage for Dominus."
Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 95 pts

"The 2009 Dominus flows from the glass with layers of highly expressive fruit. The wine possesses stunning richness, power and depth. Dark red fruit, tobacco, flowers and spices are woven into a seamless, beautifully articulated finish. Elegance and intensity are in perfect harmony here. This is a thrilling wine from Dominus."

"Bright orange-pink. Suave, highly perfumed aromas of strawberry, cherry, potpourri and musky herbs, with a mineral overtone. Juicy, focused, refreshingly bitter red fruit flavors are complemented by a note of toasty lees. Closes with lingering spiciness, very good precision and a persistent note of juicy red berries."

"It has a floral bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb and a touch of Hoi Sin that is well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, dry tannins on the entry that lend this Malbec a “classic” feel. It is very well-balanced and harmonious, with light strawberry, balsamic and pomegranate notes on the minerally finish. This is a superb Malbec."

"It has a superb bouquet of peach skin, pear and a hint of lime flower that has a Riesling-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and a precise, mineral-rich finish that shows what Torrontes can do in the right hands. Excellent."