Dominus & Napanook 2004, Napa Valley red wines

The extended Moueix family, one of the most influential winemaking dynasties in the world, has been active in California since 1982 and over the last 25 years or so, Dominus has become established as one of the most famous wines of California. Unlike the wines of the right bank for which they are most famous, Dominus is a Cabernet-dominated wine with only a tiny amount of Merlot used in the second wine, Napanook.

Vintage 2004 has turned out very successfully in Napa, despite the unusual heat of the Spring and the earliest harvest recorded at the property. The Moueix’s describe the Dominus as “charming and fragrant, deep, complex and already seductive” but maintain that it will of course “age gracefully”. The second wine, Napanook has put in a very strong performance and is described as “rich and deep…can already be enjoyed”.

Unfortunately vintage 2004 has been sold out but we still have availability of vintage 2003 - please see details below

Dominus is the proprietary red wine produced in the heart of Napa Valley by Christian Moueix and his team. Dominus has become known since its first release for its complexity and earthy character, which pay tribute to the Napanook terroir. Christian Moueix truly believes that producing a wine begins in the vineyard. For that reason, each vintage is unique with different varietal blends reflecting the vineyard and climate conditions of that particular year.

Grape varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot

Vintage 2003
The 2003 Dominus has turned out even better than I thought from barrel. There are 4,800 cases of this 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot blend. A big, sweet nose of roasted coffee, Provencal herbs, black currants, cherry jam, plums, allspice, and forest floor is followed by a spicy, rich, full-bodied, fragrant, intense wine. The tannins are sweet, but noticeable in this beautifully complex, strikingly aromatic 2003. It has much more similarity to a great Bordeaux than anything from Napa Valley. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. 95 points, eRobertParker.com

Vintage 2004 - SOLD OUT
The elegant, dark plum/purple/garnet-colored 2004 Dominus exhibits a big, sweet, cedary, roasted herb, mocha, black cherry liqueur, black currant, and earth-scented perfume. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannin as well as a luscious mouthfeel and finish, it should be more accessible in its youth than many of its predecessors, but easily last for two decades. 94 points, eRobertParker.com

Napanook was first released in 1996 with the intention of producing a wine to be enjoyed in its younger years. Napanook is a blend of the Bordeaux varietals coming from vineyard lots chosen for their finesse, lively fruit and subtle tannins. The goal is to find the perfect equilibrium between these elements, creating a wine that is harmonious and, of course, pleasurable to drink.

Grape varieties: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 1% Malbec

Vintage 2004
The estate’s second wine is the 3,600-case cuvée of 2004 Napanook, a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. A strong effort, it offers a beautiful seductive nose of dried herbs, damp earth, sweet cherries, cedar, and spice box. Opulent, round, sexy, and delicious, it should be consumed during its first decade of life. 91 points, eRobertParker.com

If you would like to order, please fill in our order form below by indicating the quantity required. We will send you a confirmation email in return.

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