Dominus Estate Napa Valley Napanook Vineyard 1996, pt. 2

About a year ago, I reviewed the Dominus 1996. I opened another bottle this past weekend (I bought this bottle from a different source), and I was struck by the differences between the two. The one I had last year was much more sensual. However, this bottle did not express the same currant notes as the one I opened last year -- but, this bottle still had a faint whiff of dark fruits on the nose. This bottle also had more pronounced herbal notes and a cigar box quality. The palate hinted at some acidity with very mild tannins. I'd give this bottle three stars out of five, and I may have to accelerate how often I attack the remaining bottles.