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| Dominus, produced by the Dominus Estate Corporation,
is made solely from grapes grown on the historic Napanook Vineyard
in Yountville, California.
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. |
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| 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. |
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| Beginning
date of harvest: 10/03/2003 |
| Ending
date of harvest: 11/02/2003 |
| Average
days of Cuvaison: 17 days |
| Blend:
88% Cabernet Sauvignon
7% Cabernet Franc
5% Petit Verdot
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| Barrel
regime: 16 months in French oak barrels
racked every three months |
| Percentage
of new oak: 40% |
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