Dominus Red Blend
2018

Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Dominus Red Blend slowly emerges from the glass with profound notes of blackcurrant cordial, ripe black plums, boysenberries, and Black Forest cake with hints of violets, star anise, cracked black pepper, raspberry leaves, and pencil lead, plus a touch of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit layers, creating a beguiling sense of richness that is beautifully countered by invigorating freshness and great poise, framed by super ripe, plush tannins and beautiful tension, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note and, finally, lots of mineral sparks. For all that it is at the moment, one cannot help but feel that this 2018 is holding something back. Give it a good five years in bottle, at least, and then get set for what I suspect will be a mindblowing transformation over the next 30 years

"This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine, and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Totally integrated on the palate. This is a magic-carpet wine. Really incredible. One of the reference points for the vintage. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar." -James Suckling

For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2040.