Solid, thick and staining garnet barely fading to the edge. Not much sediment. Cork really dry. A teensy bit off-aged in the nose but big, with mint and tar and burnt cherries and a noticeable heat. Rose-petals and fresh tortillas.
I LOVE second labels and this one remains fairly affordable. Had it numerous times since its introduction in what, mid-90’s? I’m not even sure what Dominus is up to price-wise these days, but probably well over double this one. I’ve always liked the Napanook, but felt them clearly directed at early-term drinking. Still, even an entry-level cab from a producer like this should show handsomely at 10 years old. And this one does… kinda. The heat in the nose bothers me. Decanted an hour.
Taste-wise, it improves considerably. Deep and brooding with complex floral and spice under-pinnings. Massively fruited and ripe, with still-ample tannin strutting around. And there’s that heat again. The alcohol on this one definitely is out of balance. Sad.
2004 DOMINUS Napanook Napa Valley 14.4