Dominus, Napanook & Othello2021
Following the devastating fires that swept through Napa in 2020, the 2021 vintage had a lot to make up for. Fortunately for Tod Mostero (Winemaking Director) and his team, 2021 delivered an extraordinary vintage that will rival the legends of 2018, 2013 and 1991.
Dominus do things a little differently than their neighbours in Napa, their vineyards have always been dry farmed and intervention in the vineyards and winery is as minimal as possible. Dominus is also embarking on a long-term environmental restoration project.
The estate has planted an array of native Californian plants and wildflowers to provide habitat for local wildlife. The result of holding true to these principals is that while much of Napa struggles with drought, Dominus remains an oasis of green in a region trying to grapple with climate change.
Dominus remains one of the reference points for classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon. 2021 will be a legend of the future.
The 2021 Vintage
Much like 2020, the 2021 vintage is characterised by low levels of rainfall, with drought conditions being present from January 2020 until the 2021 harvest. The winter of 2020 was unusually dry, with only moderate rainfall refreshing the vineyards in the new year. There were consistently warm temperatures throughout the growing season but mercifully without any prolonged heat spikes. The weather conditions in 2021 favoured dry farmed vineyards like Dominus where the the vines are well adapted to low levels of rainfall, with the plants producing small berries with high levels of phenolic compounds and intense aromas. 2021 is a superb vintage for Dominus, these are serious wines of great quality that will reward time in the cellar.
Dominus 2021
95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple. There is a muscularity to the aromatics here, violets, cassis, cacao and a burst of vibrant blackberry fruit. The palate is similarly intense, full of rich blackcurrant, cedar and touch of liquorice. There is an abundance of deftly extracted tannin that is somehow both monumental and silken. However, what takes this wine to the next level are the incredible levels of tension, freshness and persistence. Exceptional.
Corney & Barrow Score 19
Recommended drinking from 2028-2037+
£1,375 / case of 6 bottles, in bond UK
£1,385 / case of 3 magnums, in bond UK
Napanook 2021
Napanook in the very best vintages can be quite serious in style and it certainly is in 2021. Intense Purple. A nose of dark blackcurrants and bramble fruits with tea, cedar and a little spice. The palate is full of delightfully juicy blue and black fruit, there is an impressive frame of very fine tannin, but this will reward 3-5 years in the cellar. Superb freshness here. Potentially the best ever?
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5+
Recommended drinking from 2027-2035
£360 / case of 6 bottles, in bond UK
£370 / case of 3 magnums, in bond UK
Othello 2021
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. A flamboyant nose of black cherries, cassis and orange rind. There’s an earthiness here that adds great complexity. The palate is full bodied, silky and saturated with ripe red and black fruit. Great balance in 2021, this will be sensational from the get-go.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2024-2033
£190 / case of 6 bottles, in bond UK