Wine Advisor
Dominus Estate (Christian Moueix), Napanook 2005
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Napanook (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot) reveals a big, spicy, tobacco, black currant, sweet cherry, new saddle leather, and loamy soil-scented bouquet. With attractive fruit, a soft, round, full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful complexity as well as balance, it is one of the most Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in Napa. This 2005 should drink easily for 10-12 years. Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002. Tel. (707) 944-8954; Fax (707) 944-0547
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 harvest did not begin until the 29th of September, three days after the date the 2004 harvest terminated. It continued for over three weeks, and yields were crop-thinned several times because it was such a big crop. According to Christian Moueix, it was Napa’s coldest September in over three decades. The dark ruby/garnet-tinged 2005 Napanook (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot) reveals medium body, austere tannin, and a noticeable weedy character. It should drink well for 10 years. Not yet released. Previously recommended: 2003 Dominus (95), 2003 Napanook (90). Tel. (707) 944-8954; Fax (707) 944-0547
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Medium to deep garnet-purple colour. Aromas of warm cassis, iodine, menthol, dark chocolate and graphite. The palate has a solid backbone of high acidity and a medium level of grainy tannins with a touch of astringency. A relatively austere style for this wine. Long finish.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 Napanook, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, has turned out to be a beauty. Four thousand cases of this wine were made, and it exhibits wonderful cedar, spice box, roasted herb, and sweet black cherry and cassis notes in a medium to full-bodied style with sweet tannin, impressive texture, and silky, long, lush finish. It should drink well for 10-15 years. (Release date Summer 2008) Tel. (707) 944-8954; Fax (707) 944-0547
About the Producer
Dominus Estate, Yountville, California, was established in 1983 by Christian Moueix. Situated on the famed Napanook vineyard, it was, in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines. In fact, the vineyard’s history can be traced back to Napa Valley’s beginnings, when in 1838 George Yount, for whom the town of Yountville was named, first planted grapevines there. Today, this historic vineyard produces three wines: Dominus, its flagship, Napanook, and Othello. Christian Moueix chose the name ‘Dominus’ (‘lord of the estate’ in Latin) to underscore his longstanding commitment to the land. Rooted in values of quality, stewardship, tradition and innovation, the Dominus Estate team shares a vision of producing distinctive wines that are expressive of this singular terroir. The vineyard is entirely dry-farmed, allowing the vines to draw deeply on the land’s unique geology. The viticulture and winemaking are undertaken meticulously, with the objective of producing wines that are pure, balanced and complex. Minimal intervention and restraint throughout the process of grape berry selection, fermentation and aging preserve the character of the fruit. The resulting wines, with a tremendous potential for aging, convey the very personality of this historic vineyard. Known for its complexity and balance, Dominus demonstrates the potential of a wine produced on exceptional terroir. Structured, seamless and perfectly integrated, Dominus is an elegant wine that improves with age. To celebrate the 30th vintage of Dominus Estate, the 2013 label dons a special portrait of Christian Moueix by South African artist William Kentridge. The 2013 Dominus recalls the ‘portrait series’ of the earliest vintages (1983-1990), when noted artists depicted Christian Moueix on the labels. In 2021, Dominus Estate received its CCOF ("California Certified Organic Farmers") certification for organic farming practices.
