1999 Dominus

Medium red-ruby. Spicy red- and blackcurrant, plum, currant leaf and mocha on the claret-like nose. Dense and rich, with spicy red berry and lightly floral flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Today one senses the wine's 13% cabernet franc component. Quite tightly coiled today; shows little sign of the roasted character shown by some '99s. Firmly tannic and very strong on the back end, with an almost medicinal austerity; very much a wine from small berries. This really needs at least seven or eight years of bottle aging; make sure to decant your bottle if you can't wait to pull the cork. Should ultimately merit a higher rating.

Medium red-ruby. Spicy red- and blackcurrant, plum, currant leaf and mocha on the claret-like nose. Dense and rich, with spicy red berry and lightly floral flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Today one senses the wine's 13% cabernet franc component. Quite tightly coiled today; shows little sign of the roasted character shown by some '99s. Firmly tannic and very strong on the back end, with an almost medicinal austerity; very much a wine from small berries. This really needs at least seven or eight years of bottle aging; make sure to decant your bottle if you can't wait to pull the cork. Should ultimately merit a higher rating. 91+. May 2002, www.vinous.com

The firm, austere, large-scaled 1999 Dominus (7,000 cases) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot that spent 16-18 months in 40% new French oak. It exhibits an attractive perfume of roasted herbs, coffee, tobacco, and sweet black cherries and plums, medium body, noticeable tannin, and a ripe, austere personality. It will drink well for 15+ years. Aug 2002, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2002-2017