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Dominus Estate 1988

$29999

1988 is one of the great early vintages of Dominus, following Christian Moueix's establishment of the estate with the 1983 vintage at the historic Napanook vineyard in Yountville. The 1988 was an unusually small production and is regarded as one of the top Cabernets of the vintage. Nearly forty years on, this is a piece of California wine history rather than a current wine, and bottles that have been properly cellared tend to show secondary notes of cassis, smoked herbs, leather, and cigar over a still-firm Cabernet frame. Provenance is everything at this age. For collectors and anyone who wants to taste the beginning of a Napa legend.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

Returns & Exchanges

We stand behind every bottle we sell.

  • If the wine is less than 10 years old and it is corked, you may return it to us for a full refund or exchange within 60 days of purchase. You must show us proof of purchase. We understand that you may not live near a shop and that it is difficult to ship open bottles of wine to us, so if there's any problem feel free to Contact Us and we'll work it out.
  • For wines older than 10 years, the consumer bears the risk of a faulty cork, but we accept returns of older bottles if the wine is faulty as a result of improper storage. Please come by the store or Contact Us if there is a problem.
  • We may, at our discretion and to the extent permitted by law, accept returns of unopened wines within 30 days of purchase if they were properly stored by the purchaser, subject to a 15% re-stocking fee.

View our complete return policy →

Have Questions?

Our team is here to help.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm

Saturday: 12pm - 5pm

CLOSED SUNDAYS

Email: help@flatiron-wines.com
Phone: (415) 780-1405


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Antonio Galloni

87 points

"Very good saturated red-ruby. Aromas of plum, chocolate and herbs; shows a port-like aspect yet smells like a low-pH wine. A wine of moderate concentration and flavor development, from fruit of modest ripeness. One-dimensional for Dominus. Finishes with rather strong, toothcoating tannins." —Stephen Tanzer

Robert Parker

91 points

"The 1988 has to be among the top two or three Cabernets of the vintage. Other than 1983, the 3,300 cases produced in 1988 is the smallest production of Dominus to date, as over half the crop was deemed unsatisfactory. Twenty-five percent new oak was used. The dense, opaque ruby/purple color exhibits great saturation and intensity, and the nose is beginning to offer up smoked herb and ripe cassis aromas. In the mouth, the wine is deep, medium to full-bodied, with excellent concentration, and one of the longest, richest finishes I have found in a Cabernet Sauvignon from 1988. The tannins are noticeable, but softer than in the 1989 or 1987. Of all the current Dominus offerings, I suspect the 1988 and 1984 are the most flattering to drink at present. Nevertheless, this wine should easily evolve for another 10-15 or more years." —Robert M. Parker, Jr.

More about Dominus Estate

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Cabernet Sauvignon , Red Blend

  • Vintage

    1988

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Organic

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Full Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Roast rack of lamb, dry-aged ribeye, or a quiet dinner with aged hard cheese.

Tasting Profile

Dry, mature, savory. Tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and cassis with soft tannins and a long, earthy finish.

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