772 | Wine | Napa Valley | Page 2

"A lush, full melon/citrus character in the aroma and in the flavor. The cooler Napa Valley fruit provides a solid, crisp backbone that gives the wine an exciting liveliness that balances the rich creaminess from "sur lie" aging."

"Gorgeous aromas of kirsch liqueur, crushed blue/black berries and graphite are framed with sweet toasty oak. On the palate dense texture and perfectly rich fruit (Rutherford and Oakville) contrasts nicely with the fresh impact of mountain minerality (Atlas Peak). Crushed plum, violets and white flowers vie for attention all supported by ripe, mouth-coating tannins. Superb length and penetrating fruit are focused and intense with tremendous persistence and balance."

"This perennial favorite has a silky, creamy texture with just a hint of oak. Ripe tropical fruit, pear and green apple flavors are complemented by notes of lemon custard, vanilla bean and baking spice. A touch of flint and minerality further add to its refined elegance."

"A classic expression of Napa Valley Cabernet at its best: Remarkably rich and concentrated. Tantalizing entry -almost sweet with blackberry essence, it evolves into a plush, mouth filling compote of black fruit, beautifully integrated with woodsy and mineral notes, mocha, tobacco and clove. For all its volume the delivery is surprisingly fresh and supple, with a long, mocha-infused finish."

"Our 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with fresh, creamy aromas of ripe pear, apple and citrus, with light butter, yeast and spicy oak tones adding complexity. The wine’s rich, focused, green apple, melon and guava flavors are nicely balanced by fresh acidity and a piquant mineral tone. Both mouthfilling and elegant, this quintessential Napa Valley Chardonnay is delectable now, but it will develop even greater complexity with another 5-8 years’ bottle age."

"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."

"Ripe tree fruit and heady notes of baked apple are supported by layers of caramel, brown spice and toasted oak flavors."

"Mocha, espresso, hints of oak and predominant dark red cherry aromas are the signature of the 2010 Claret. Its expressive red fruit flavors on the palate are balanced with its impressive tannin structure that is bold but not aggressive."

"Luscious and festive, this rosé has a light pink color, with floral strawberry and cream aromas and succulent raspberry, graham cracker and mineral flavors that have a crisp finish."