Dominus Estate Othello 2016

Produced by Dominus Estate in Yountville, Napa Valley, Othello is the most approachable cuvée from the Napanook Vineyard, crafted under the direction of Christian Moueix. The historic vineyard, one of the oldest in Napa Valley, is planted on gravelly alluvial soils that bring structure, freshness and aromatic precision, while the cooler Yountville climate preserves balance and detail in the fruit. Othello is drawn from the same estate vineyard sources as Dominus and Napanook, but is composed of parcels and selections that do not enter the grand vin or the estate’s second wine, allowing for a more approachable expression of the site. Sustainable vineyard work and meticulous hand harvesting underpin the estate’s exacting standards across all tiers.

Made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller proportions of Merlot and Petit Verdot, the wine is vinified with parcel-level precision and aged in French oak barrels to build structure and integration. With around a decade of bottle age, the 2016 is now entering a notably open and approachable phase, where primary fruit has softened and tertiary complexity has begun to emerge. Aromas of blackcurrant and dried cherry are now layered with graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, leather and subtle earthy notes. The palate is supple yet structured, with resolved but still-present tannins, balanced acidity and a long, savoury finish. While still clearly built on the backbone of Napanook’s gravelly terroir, the wine now shows greater generosity and accessibility, making it enjoyable in its current drinking window while retaining the depth and balance of a serious Napa Valley Cabernet-based blend.