Producer Profile
Dominus Estate is a California wine estate owned by Christian Moueix, producing Bordeaux style blends,. The winery is located in Yountville within the Napa Valley AVA and was first planted with vines in 1836 by George C. Yount in the Napanook vineyard.
Christian Moueix, who is also in charge of production at Chateau Petrus, first became involved as a partner in 1982, then in 1995 took over full ownership. In 1996, Napanook, the estate’s second wine, was first released and the same year a new winery was built.
The annual production is 7,500 to 12,000 cases which includes both Dominus and Napanook.
Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 93
The second wine, the 2012 Napanook Proprietary Red Wine has a similar profile, but certainly comes across as less nuanced and slightly less concentrated and profound compared to its bigger sister. It is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It does reflect the fact that the selection process has gotten so severe that the second wine at Dominus is really special in top vintages such as 2012 or 2013. The wine has low acidity, beautiful ripe black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a hint of unsmoked cigar tobacco and a touch of roasted herbs in the finish. This is a beauty to drink over the next 15-20 years. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 28/10/2015]
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035
Vinous 94
The 2012 Napanook is a big, intense wine, especially if given some time in the decanter. Rich red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and spice meld together in an effortless, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are silky and polished, which gives the 2012 much of its early appeal, but there is so much density and pure concentration that a few years in bottle will only do it good. The 2012 is a fabulous Napanook. Frankly, the 2012 is as good or better than the top wines at many estates. Napanook remains one of the great values in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. [Antonio Galloni, 10/01/2015]
