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| The 1985 Dominus Estate is the third vintage produced
by the John Daniel Society, made solely from grapes grown on the
historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, California.
The 1985 vintage is the most harmonious and complex wine of the
“first stage” of Dominus.
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| Winter rainfall was slightly below normal (27.95 inches vs. 35.68
inches), but 10 inches of rain in February and March provided good
moisture for the growing season. The season began with a mild April
and May, followed by a hot June and July. August was mild and most
of September was cool. We received one half inch of rain on September
8 and 9, and temperatures were in the high 70’s and low 80’s
until it reached 84ºF on 9/20, 90ºF on 9/21 and 95ºF on 9/22. |
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| Beginning
date of harvest: 09/14/1985 |
| Ending
date of harvest: 09/25/1985 |
| Average
days of Cuvaison: 18 days |
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Blend:
80% Cabernet Sauvignon
20% Merlot
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| Barrel
regime: 16 months in French oak barrels —
hand racked every three months |
| Percentage
of new oak: 20% |
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1985 Wine Label: Gerard Barthelemy
is a French artist, born in Paris in 1938. Mr. Barthelemy received
the Prix de Rome in 1966 and has had extensive exhibits in France.
The portrait was done with an ancient walnut stain technique. |
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