92 WS

    Dominus Estate - Napanook 2018 - Napa Valley

    World • Napa Valley • Red

    240,00€ tax included
    240,00€ tax included
    80,00€ / unit
    Packaging : 3 x 75cl - Carton

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    Description

    • Country UNITED STATES
    • Region World
    • Appellation Napa Valley
    • Color Red
    • Alcohol 12.5
    • Vintage 2018
    • Grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 4%

    Dominus Estate, located in Yountville in California's Napa Valley , embodies the excellence of Old World Bordeaux-style blends imbued with the spirit of the New World. With its historic terroir, the estate belongs to the Moueix family, renowned since Pomerol, and is based on the Napanook vineyard, planted as early as 1836. The 2018 Napanook red reveals a distinctive character, combining power and elegance, a true reflection of the estate's identity. Cultivated on a single parcel, this wine is both refined and structured, establishing itself as a benchmark among the great wines of Napa Valley thanks to its pure and structured expression.

    Ratings

    Ratings

    • Wine Spectator 92/100
    • Vinous 93/100
    • James Suckling 97/100
    Notes and pairings

    Notes and pairings

    Tasting notes

    This 2018 Napanook displays a deep garnet color with purplish highlights. The nose unfolds complex aromas of black berries, damp earth, tobacco, and marjoram on a background of candied orange. On the palate, the texture is structured, balanced by fine, silky tannins, evolving into a ripe fruit character. The finish is remarkably long, fresh, and mineral, leaving a vibrant and elegant impression of length.

    Food & wine pairings

    Possible food and wine pairings: game in sauce, roast beef, grilled lamb or pan-fried foie gras depending on the occasion.
    Producer

    Producer

    The Napanook vineyard, wholly owned by Dominus Estate, spans approximately 50 hectares in Yountville, Napa Valley. The soils consist of well-draining volcanic gravel and clay-loam, ideal for the ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are planted on deep roots, often on resistant rootstocks, established on a historic terroir dating back to 1836. The temperate exposure at the foot of the Mayacamas creates an ideal microclimate for crafting structured and expressive wines, while preserving remarkable freshness.

    Owner and history

    The estate is managed by Christian Moueix, from the prestigious Moueix family of Bordeaux, owners of Château Pétrus. Arriving in Napa Valley in the 1980s, he gradually acquired full ownership of the estate in 1995, pursuing a vision of quality and respect for the terroir. His minimalist approach in the cellar, combined with invaluable expertise, has forged the reputation of Dominus Estate and Napanook. His commitment to excellence and the authentic expression of the site has solidified his position in the world of wine.

    Vinification and aging

    Each batch of grapes is hand-selected and then optically sorted. Fermentation takes place with gentle pump-overs to softly extract aromas, color, and tannins. Low-pressure vertical pressing and regular racking ensure the wine's finesse and clarity, respecting the purity of the fruit naturally expressed by the terroir.
    For the 2018 Napanook vintage, after fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, approximately 20% of which are new. This careful maturation helps to refine the tannic texture and structure the wine, while preserving its freshness and elegance, typical of great Bordeaux-style blends from Napa.

    Dominus Estate - United States

    Discover Dominus Estate - United States

    The team's opinion

    This 2018 Napanook captivates you with its refined balance and vibrant tension, inviting discovery from the first sip.

    • Serving temperature 16°C - 20°C

    • Climax 2025 à 2037

    Wine profile

    • fruity
    • wooded
    • complex