Dominus Estate is the Napa Valley project of Christian Moueix, whose family oversees Pétrus and a constellation of leading Pomerol properties. First encountering the Napanook Vineyard in 1981 and becoming its sole proprietor in 1995, Moueix set out to produce a wine of Bordeaux structure and longevity from one of the valley’s oldest continuously cultivated sites. The estate’s distinctive gabion-and-rammed-earth winery, designed by Herzog and de Meuron, reflects its minimalist philosophy.

Napanook is a 124-acre site at the foothills of the Mayacamas range in Yountville, where volcanic, well-draining soils are tempered by afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay. Winemaker Tod Mostero vinifies each dry-farmed parcel separately to preserve site expression. The 2019 blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, harvested between 29 September and 10 October and aged in 40% new French oak, a challenging spring with heavy rains giving way to excellent summer conditions.

Dominus occupies a rare position in the Napa Valley as an estate that consistently achieves critical distinction for a style more restrained and Bordeaux-influenced than many of its contemporaries. The 2018 vintage was named Wine Spectator’s number-one wine of 2021, confirming the estate’s long-held status among serious collectors. The 2019 has attracted parallel acclaim, with 98 points from both the Wine Advocate and James Suckling, underlining the consistency of this benchmark property.

Dark cherry, cassis and red currant on the nose, underpinned by mocha, pencil shavings and a characteristic mineral earthiness. Full-bodied with silky, seamlessly integrated tannins and mouthwatering freshness, the palate is layered and precise with exceptional length. Requires patience; best approached from 2028 onwards.

Impressively dark-hued with scents of cherries and cassis, subtle notes of mocha, pencil shavings and almost Graves-like earthiness winding through the palate, giving it a sense of savory gravitas, while the finish is silky and long.  — Wine Advocate

Lots of crushed stone, lead pencil and licorice aromas, extremely aromatic and bright. Full body and a round, ripe centre-palate with a juicy interior. Layered and beautiful.  — James Suckling