67Wine
Dominus Estate Napanook Napa Red 2023 750ml
🇺🇸 Certainly the best Napanook bottling I can recall.
At the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains, on a benchland first planted to vines in 1838, the Napanook Vineyard has been producing wine of uncommon grace for nearly two centuries. Fed by underground springs threading through ancient riverbeds, the vines here push deep roots into fertile soils that express themselves with quiet authority.
Christian Moueix, whose family has shepherded Pétr...Show More >
At the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains, on a benchland first planted to vines in 1838, the Napanook Vineyard has been producing wine of uncommon grace for nearly two centuries. Fed by underground springs threading through ancient riverbeds, the vines here push deep roots into fertile soils that express themselves with quiet authority.
Christian Moueix, whose family has shepherded Pétrus and the great estates of Bordeaux's Right Bank for generations, began crafting Dominus from this historic ground in 1983. Four decades on, Napanook stands as the estate's second wine — second in name only. The 2023 is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, drawn from the middle portion of the vineyard and aged 20 months in 20% new French oak. Every grape is certified organic.
In the glass, the 2023 Napanook opens with aromas of blueberry, black cherry, lavender, dried herbs, and graphite — subtle and refined, with a cedary backbone and whispers of nutmeg and orange peel. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a lush, silky texture, polished tannins, and a seamless, long finish graced by black olive, black tea, and cassis. Already generous and open, it will reward patience through 2040.
- Appellation: Napa Valley — Yountville
- Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
- Farming: Certified Organic
- Aging: 20 months, 20% new French oak
- Drink: 2025–2040
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023:
97 James Suckling — "Lovely soft and silky texture with a long finish. Enchanting and delicious."
94 Wine Advocate — "Lush, with a seductive swell of fruit and tannins that flows seamlessly into a long finish."
93 Vinous — "Deep, bold and luscious right out of the gate."
92 Jeb Dunnuck — "Classic, classy Cabernet... will keep for 10–15 years."
Food Pairings: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, aged hard cheeses.
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Wine Information:
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub-Region: Yountville - Napa Valley
Appellation: Napa County
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Type: Reds
Size: 750ml
Choose when time is of the essence
Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage 2021
James Suckling 97 Points | This shows a lot of class, with aromas of blackcurrants, graphite, blueberries, dried flowers, black truffles and a touch of forest floor. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with seamless tannins that goes on and on. Endless. Blackcurrants, dark mushrooms and violets with hints of fresh rose stems and light herbs. Velvety texture. A blend of 92% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.
Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2021 Napanook is one heck of a Napanook, offering complex notes of currants, cassis, graphite, leafy tobacco, lead pencil, and chocolate. Incredible on the palate, it s full-bodied and round, with supple, vibrant, incredible tannins. This is easily the finest vintage I've tasted of this cuv e and it s the equivalent of many a Grand Vin from other producers.
The Wine Advocate 94 Points | Certainly the best Napanook bottling I can recall, the 2021 Napanook is a 3,000-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Boasting harmonious aromas of raspberries, red and black cherries, cinnamon, clove and dusty earth notes, this full-bodied wine tips the scales at a declared 15% alcohol, yet it shows no detectable heat. It is full-bodied, intense, rich and velvety, with hints of black tea on the long finish. Matured in 20% new French oak, it stands out for its lush mouthfeel and savory complexity.
The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Bright and fresh, with a streak of tobacco enlivening the core of cherry and red currant preserve flavors. A subtle accent of singed cedar runs along the edges, giving this a reserved feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2036. 3,000 cases made.