| Dominus Estate, produced by the John Daniel Society,
is made solely from grapes grown on the historic Napanook Vineyard
in Yountville, California.
In 1990, for the first time in the history of Dominus, all four
classic Bordeaux grape varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Merlot and Petit Verdot) were included in the final blend.
In the vineyard, an important concern was the 4 inches of rain
that fell between the 20th and the 30th of May. As usual, nature
was full of surprises. This rain saved the vintage by providing
the moisture that the vineyard needed.
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| December 1989 was the first rainless December in this century, and
only 18 inches of rain had fallen since the previous July. As the
month of May began, the season appeared to be headed toward drought.
The 4 inches of rain at the end of May saved the vintage. August and
September were neither too hot, nor too cool, and allowed the fruit
to ripen slowly and fully, with well-balanced acid and mature tannins. |
