Dominus 1989

The 1989 Dominus Estate is the seventh vintage produced by the John Daniel Society, and, as always, made solely from grapes grown on the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, California.

In 1989, rain just prior to harvest caused a great deal of concern in the Valley. Fortunately, our Bordeaux-trained team was familiar with these conditions and, guided by Christian Moueix, waited for the vines to regain their equilibrium. 1989 was an important vintage, because it was the first time that Petit Verdot (the fourth classic Bordeaux grape varietal grown on the Napanook Vineyard) was added to the final blend. Cabernet Franc was not used in the blend this year.

Vintage Summary
We received 22.69 inches of rain (35.68 is normal) for the season. The year was moderate to hot following warm weather at set. The big story, though, was the rain during harvest, with 1.65 inches of rain in September.
Fact Sheet
Beginning date of harvest: 09/15/1989
Ending date of harvest: 10/07/1989
Average days of Cuvaison: 17 days

Blend:
89% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Merlot
1% Petit Verdot

Barrel regime: 15 months in French oak barrels — hand racked every three months
Percentage of new oak: 30%
Close Window
1989 Wine Label: Raymond Mason is an English artist, born in 1922. Mr. Mason is primarily a sculptor, but is also known for his watercolors of vineyard landscapes. His large compositions are displayed in London, Birmingham, Paris, Montreal, New York and Washington.