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.

“An open and beautiful wine with green-olive and currant aromas and flavours. Some bark and earth, too, together with mushrooms, herbs, crushed stones and pomegranate. Medium to full body with round, creamy tannins and refined finish. Blood orange at the end. Crunchy. So drinkable now, but will age beautifully.”
96 points, James Suckling, April 2022

“Tod Mostero, director of viticulture and winemaking, described today’s Napanook label as “a selection of lots based on the vintage, tending towards more loosely woven tannins and more approachability when young.” The 2019 Napanook is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot, harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it springs from the glass with Morello cherries, black raspberries, and black currant pastilles scents, followed by hints of cinnamon toast, chocolate box, pencil shavings, and menthol, plus a waft of lilacs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with vibrant, energetic black and red fruits, framed by beautifully plush tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long with a spicy lift. It is scrumptious right now in this fruity flush of youth, albeit with a good six hours+ in a decanter. Otherwise, leave it a good 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 18+ years. 2450 cases were made, to be released in April 2022.”
94+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent, March 2022