Just thought I would check on these. Not as good as most of the 99s I have tried, a bit disappointing. The nose is not that great, with basic currant and a bit of menthol showing. The palate is a bit muted with currant/cherry but overall the attack and mid-palate is weak with little finish. I have one bottle left and based on this showing, I would not hold them for much longer. Appears what fruit was there is fading, but the structure at least has integrated as the tannin was not noticeable.
I think this wine is in an “adjustment” phase right now. I have found many '99s went through them much earlier. Perhaps this guys is a bit of a late bloomer . . . don’t think I would write it off just yet. It will never be truly great but should turn out above average in the end. Reminds me ultimately of the '02 vintage in Bordeaux . . . in a bit of a rough patch now.
John,
I have one left so I hope to see it do better in a few years. The 97 was yummy. Most of the 99s (at least the ones I have) are in a nice drinking stage now.
The '99 and the '00 were the two runts of the last 30 or so years of Dominus . . . that being said, they are still above average wines.
97 is more than yummy - it’s awesome…
Unless you live in San Diego, then it’s corked.