Only 2,100 cases were produced of the debut vintage of Dominus. While very backward, full-bodied, and tannic, with an austere Bordeaux personality, the wine continues to exhibit considerable promise. The nose offers damp woodsy aromas intermingled with rich, jammy cassis, cedar, licorice, and even some oriental spice notes. Full-bodied with considerable tannin, this highly extracted, rich wine should prove to be extremely long-lived. It gives every sign of shedding its tannins and having the requisite extraction of fruit and concentration for future harmony. It is unquestionably among the finest 1983 California Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.

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The best wine in the tasting of 10 california cabernets. It was the best from beginning to the end (Ridge Monte Bello 1984 was a competitor for a short while). Very dark, purple, tannic, meaty, full body, perfect balance, and very long aftertaste. at least 10 more years to go