2023 Dominus - Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Napa (750ml)
Profile
Dominus Estate, founded in 1983 by Christian Moueix—the Bordeaux vintner behind Château Petrus—partners to farm Napa Valley’s historic Napanook vineyard in Yountville. The site traces plantings back to 1836, and Moueix brings an Old World, dry-farmed approach, sending vine roots deep into the volcanic soils at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. Presented in a 750ml bottle, the 2023 Dominus embodies a rare balance of freshness and ripeness that defines this vintage.
The blend centers on Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and spends about 20 months aging in French oak, a portion of it new.
Tasting Notes
The wine opens with aromas of blackcurrant, crushed stone, cedar, and graphite, layered with subtle florals and savory herbal notes. On the palate, it shows polished, ultra-fine tannins and a medium-to-full body, with pristine dark fruit and a long, mineral-driven finish. The result is a wine of remarkable purity and restraint, built for extended cellaring yet already approachable in its youth. A benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet blend for serious collectors.
Winemaking & Style
The wine spends about 20 months in French oak, a portion of it new. The blend’s Old World, dry-farmed heritage and deep volcanic terroir yield a wine of precise structure and vertical clarity, reflecting a philosophy that seeks balance between freshness and ripeness.
Food Pairings
- Grilled ribeye or pan-seared prime beef with herb butter
- Roasted lamb chops with rosemary and garlic
- Game birds like venison or duck with rich pan sauces
- Mushroom dishes such as truffle risotto or porcini ragù
- Aged hard cheeses (e.g., Gruyère, Comté) in small portions