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Tasting notes
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
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot from Yountville. 16 months in barrel, 20% new oak . Asian spice and sandalwood on the nose. Medium-full palate of ripe plum, tart dried red cherry and black cherry. Quite tight and tannic, though with refreshing acidity. (LM)
Good deep red-ruby. Complex, enticing aromas of black raspberry, brown spices, game and earth. Sweet and lush, but with a juicy acid spine giving firmness to the dark raspberry, redcurrant and floral flavors. Spicy and shapely for this second wine, with good energy and length.
(recently pumped to tank and not yet fined) Good full ruby-red. Primary aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry, currant, tar, menthol and tobacco leaf. At once sweet and tangy, with menthol and mint notes lifting the juicy red berry flavors. This has an almost exotic spicy/floral quality and plenty of inner-palate energy. Finishes with firm, ripe tannins.
About the producer
Dominus Estate – the Napa property owned by Christian Moueix of Pétrus and La Fleur-Pétrus – has rapidly earned cult status.
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Red
Dry