We are delighted to have received our annual allocation of the sublime Dominus and Napanook 2009 vintage. These wines are available to buy now En Primeur (under bond excluding VAT and duty). They will arrive late Spring 2013 at which time you can decide whether to take delivery or store in bond. We anticipate very strong demand for these wines (last year the Dominus sold out in 3 days) so would advise that you contact us asap if you wish to avail of this offer.
The Dominus Story
In the late 1960s, while attending the University of California at Davis, Christian Moueix fell in love with the Napa Valley and its wines. Son of Jean-Pierre Moueix, the famed wine merchant and producer from Libourne, France, Moueix returned home in 1970 to manage the family vineyards, including chateaux Petrus, La Fleur-Petrus, Trotanoy in Pomerol and Magdelaine in Saint Emilion.
His love of Napa Valley lingered and, in 1981, he discovered the historic Napanook vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville that had been the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines of the 1940s and 1950s. In 1982, Moueix entered into a partnership to develop the vineyard and, in 1995, became its sole owner. He chose the name 'Dominus' or' Lord of the Estate' in Latin to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land.
Dominus 2009 - £539 per case of 6 En Primeur
The Dominus 2009 exemplifies the finest qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon from an ideal vintage. The nose, at once powerful yet restrained, is dense and filled with pure dark berry fruit and hints of sandalwood. On the palate is a harmonious blend of fresh plum and focused minerality with tannins that are firm, round and elegant. Spherical in quality, this wine is complete from start to finish. A sublime vintage.
2009 was characterized by an ideal season. Plentiful rainfall in February and May abated winter drought concerns, and a mild spring with few temperature fluctuations contributed to even bud break and healthy bloom. Summer temperatures were consistently warm, without excessive heat spikes, and a long Indian summer allowed the berries to develop perfect complexity and ripeness. Harvest was an intense effort, beginning on October 5th and was completed on October 12th, just before the heavy rainfall on October 13th. The wine was aged in 40% new oak for 18 months before release.
"The 2009 Dominus has closed down quite a bit since I last tasted it. Today, all of the glorious fruit of the vintage is hiding behind a serious wall of tannin. The 2009 still possesses gorgeous inner perfume and plenty of sweetness, but little of the sexiness that will emerge over time. From time to time, the utter genius of the 2009 shows a glimpse of its potential. There is little doubt the 2009 will be a jewel once it awakens from what might very well be a long slumber. This is another wine that begs for patience. The 2009 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039" Robert Parker 97+ points.
Napanook, Dominus estate 2009 - £375 per case of 12 En Primeur
Napanook 2009 is made from grapes grown at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley. The wine is blended from blocks in the vineyard that were carefully selected for their lively fruit, soft tannins and early maturing characteristics. The 2009 vintage is vibrant and complex, filled with notes of plum, black cherry and earthy tobacco. Pure and precise on the palate, aromas of chocolate and lightly toasted almond complement firm tannins throughout the long finish. The 2009 vintage is composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot.
This wine is created to be consumed young, and enjoyed with food, but will also age well for more than a decade. Christian Moueix recommends decanting young wines before serving to allow them to reach their full potential.
"The 2009 Napanook is simply glorious. Sweet dark cherries, mint, tobacco, wild flowers and liquorice all jump from the glass. The 2009 is a juicy, extroverted Napanook that impresses for its sheer pleasure and total harmony. Layers of fruit continue to build to the huge, creamy finish. As good as the 2009 is today, I have a hard time thinking it won't be better in another few years. If anything, this is too serious a wine for an entry-level offering. The 2009 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024". Robert Parker 93 points.
