Dominus Estate 2016

Produced by Dominus Estate in the heart of Napa Valley’s Yountville AVA, Dominus is one of California’s most iconic Cabernet-based wines and the lifelong vision of Christian Moueix, whose family is also synonymous with Château Pétrus in Pomerol. Having recognised the extraordinary potential of the historic Napanook Vineyard in the early 1980s, Moueix gradually acquired the estate, applying the same philosophy of meticulous viticulture and terroir-driven winemaking that has defined his family’s success in Bordeaux. The vineyard is farmed sustainably with an emphasis on biodiversity, careful canopy management and minimal intervention, allowing the deep gravelly, clay and loam soils of Napanook to express themselves with remarkable clarity. Rather than seeking sheer power, Dominus is crafted to balance the richness of Napa Valley with the restraint, freshness and longevity associated with the great wines of Bordeaux.

The 2016 vintage, composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot, is widely regarded as one of the estate’s finest releases. Following meticulous parcel-by-parcel vinification, the wine was matured for around 18 months in French oak barrels, approximately 40% of which were new, before extended bottle ageing prior to release. Now approaching a decade of maturity, the wine is entering a magnificent drinking window, with recent tastings showing impressive harmony while retaining decades of life ahead. Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and dark cherry are layered with graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, violet, crushed stone and subtle baking spices. The palate is full-bodied yet impeccably poised, with beautifully integrated tannins, vibrant acidity and an exceptionally long, mineral finish. Combining the concentration of a superb Napa vintage with the elegance and precision that define Christian Moueix’s philosophy, Dominus 2016 stands among the greatest modern vintages of this legendary estate and will continue to evolve gracefully for another two to three decades.