2023 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon 'Napanook'

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot; all grown organically at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, originally planted in 1838. Aged for 20 months in 20% new French oak. 

 Dominus Estate stands as the crown jewel of Napa Valley’s Yountville appellation. Founder Christian Moueix is the son of Jean-Pierre Moueix, the famed wine merchant and producer.  He fell in love with the Napa Valley while attending UC Davis in the 1960s. Moueix returned home in 1970 to manage the family vineyards, including Châteaux Pétrus, La Fleur-Pétrus, Trotanoy in Pomerol and Magdelaine in Saint-Émilion.

His love of Napa Valley lingered and, in 1981, he discovered the historic Napanook vineyard, a 134-acre site west of Yountville that had been the source of fruit for some of the finest napa valley wines of the 1940s and 1950s. In 1982, Moueix entered into a partnership to develop the vineyard and, in 1995, became its sole owner. He chose the name 'Dominus' or 'lord of the estate' in latin to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land.

97 points, James Suckling. "Aromas of blueberries, ash and stones with hints of blackberries, orange peel and chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with medium-round tannins that are polished and velvety but always in check. Cedar and baking spices like nutmeg on the palate. Lovely soft and silky texture with a long finish. Enchanting and delicious. 92% cabernet sauvginon, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes."

94 points, The Wine Front. "The 2023 Napanook is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with bold notes of black cherries, warm cassis, and tilled soil, giving way to hints of wild sage, graphite, black pepper, and underbrush. Full-bodied, the palate delivers a solid backbone of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to back up the muscular black fruit layers, finishing long and earthy. (LPB)"

93 points, Vinous Media. "The 2023 Napanook is deep, bold and luscious right out of the gate. Black cherry, lavender, dried herbs and graphite fill out its mid-weight frame quite nicely. I expect the 2023 will drink well with minimal cellaring, as it is already quite open and doesn't quite have the tannic palate presence of more important years."

92 points, Jeb Dunnuck. "Deep purple-hued and the second wine of this reference point domaine, the 2023 Napanook offers classic currants, leafy tobacco, graphite, and underbrush notes in a medium-bodied, very pretty, pure, elegant, and graceful style. Based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 20% new French oak, it has ripe and polished tannins, perfectly integrated acidity, and a great finish. This classic, classy Cabernet will keep for 10-15 years. Drink 2025-2040."