Dominus Estate’s Napanook vineyard is an exceptional place, not only for the physical location in a natural amphitheatre at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, but also for the historical significance — where George Yount planted Napa Valley’s first vines in 1838.

Since then, the property has had several esteemed owners. Christian Moueix began farming the land in 1982 taking advantage of the natural conditions including a climate of warm, dry summers tempered the by cooling breezes of the San Pablo Bay as well as the well-drained volcanic clay-loam that is well-suited for Cabernet Sauvignon in particular and Bordeaux varietals in general.

The bold and vibrant character of Napanook is a distinct reflection of the site and the attention to detail and care taken with the dry-farming techniques as well as a minimalist winemaking approach. The wine exhibits exuberant fruit, smooth structure and, and medium texture. The reward is wine with complex flavour that is deeply connected to terroir and meticulous technique.

“Gorgeous aromas of plums and currants with some wet earth, mushroom, bark and incense undertones. Woody. Medium-to full-bodied with such beautiful depth and length. So subtle and long. Fabulous harmony. One of the best I have ever tasted. Drink or hold.”
97 points, James Suckling, December 2021

“The 2018 Napanook showed incredibly well, with fabulous crème de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and green tobacco aromas and flavors. With terrific ripeness, medium to full body, and ripe, yet polished tannins, this beauty should be snatched up by savvy readers. It should evolve for 15 years or more. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, aged in 20% new French oak.”
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, January 2021 

“Deep garnet-purple in colour, the 2018 Napanook leaps from the glass with vivacious scents of fresh blueberries, black cherries, crushed blackcurrants and redcurrant jelly with hints of pencil shavings, red roses and dusty soil plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate is very tightly wound, allowing glimpses at loads of mineral and savory nuances among the taut black and red fruit notes, supported by fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a compelling herbal lift.”
93+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, February 2021