1989 Dominus

The 1989 is undoubtedly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage. The color is a dark ruby/purple and the nose offers up sweet, fragrant scents of black fruits, cedar, herbs, and spicy wood. In the mouth, there is extraordinary concentration, medium to full body, and an authoritatively rich, lingering finish. Terroirists will have a difficult time explaining why the wine tastes more like a Pomerol than Napa Cabernet. Interestingly, Moueix stated the key to his success in 1989 was to wait six to seven days after the rains had stopped before harvesting so the vines could shed their excess moisture. The 7,000 cases of this wine that were produced will be released in the fall of 1993. Oct 1993, www.robertparker.com

Deep red-ruby. Initially rather mute nose hinted at roasted plum with aeration. Supple and ripe in the mouth, with Graves-like notes of hot bricks, tar and roasted plum. A wine of very good but not outstanding depth. Finishes with chewy, slightly drying tannins. May be at its best now, but should hold at this level for a few years. Jul 1999, www.vinous.com