The Wine Advocate – Robert Parker – December 2007

DOMINUS 2006
94-96 Points

“The wine is slightly more fruit-forward than the 2005, but has a dark ruby/purple color and a beautiful nose of licorice, cedar, and espresso roast along with black currant and cherry notes. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has slightly more elevated and noticeable tannin than the 2005 (at least at this stage), builds a nicely textured mouthfeel as it sits on the palate, and has impressive length.”

NAPANOOK 2006
90-92 Points

“An elegant wine with notes of sweet cherries intertwined with coffee bean, cedar, subtle underbrush, and blacker fruits, the oak is clearly in the background of this wine, which is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, and should drink nicely for 10-12+ years.”

DOMINUS 2005
96 Points

“The 2005 Dominus…has come of age, and is one of the strongest efforts they’ve made. It is possibly the best Dominus since the 2001, and perhaps even the 1997 or 1991. A beautiful, sweet nose of roasted coffee interwoven with kirsch, black currant, cedar, and spice box emerges from this deep ruby/purple-colored wine. The wine has fabulous intensity, a layered, opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, well-integrated acidity, and a stunningly long finish. The layering of this wine as it builds incrementally on the palate is something to behold. An outstanding, sexy, ageworthy Dominus, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and last for at least 25 or 30 years.”

NAPANOOK 2005
91 Points

“The 2005 Napanook…has turned out to be a beauty. Four thousand cases of this wine were made, and it exhibits wonderful cedar, spice box, roasted herb, and sweet black cherry and cassis notes in a medium to full-bodied style with sweet tannin, impressive texture, and silky, long, lush finish. It should drink well for 10-15 years.”