Napa Valley 2003

Dominus Estate, årgangsark (hentet 17. okt. 2026): 2003 Dominus, Napa Valley – Napanook Vineyard, Yountville. Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 88%, Cabernet Franc: 7%, Petit Verdot: 5%. Høststart: October 3 Høstslut: November 2 Aftapning: June 2005 Nye fade: 40% Produktion (kasser): 5600 Frigivet: June 2006 Smagsnote (producentens tekst, engelsk): The 2003 vintage is plum in color, with an aromatic nose of violets, raspberries and worn leather. Flavors begin discretely with essences of cumin and dark red fruit that build up to a suppleness and elegance that is enveloping. The finish is long, fragrant and fresh, with an intensity of tobacco and truffle notes. Årgangen (producentens tekst, engelsk): 2003 will be remembered as a vintage with a very long growing season, one that continued into November for some blocks. The beautiful fall weather permitted the prolonged hang time, allowing the fruit to develop its complexity. Between November and May, the vineyard received over 35 inches of rain, with December alone seeing over 16 inches. During the first six months of the vintage, there were 91 days of rain, with 9 days over 1 inch. April not only brought over 5 inches of rain, but was recorded as the coldest in decades. With cool spring temperatures, bloom occurred late in May – long after the rains had passed. Summer temperatures were above average, with 7 days topping 100°F between June and September. Steady temperatures allowed the fruit to mature slowly and evenly. October was exceptional - warm and dry, so the grapes were able to linger on the vines until perfect ripeness.