"The Dominus 2011 and Napanook wines from the iconic estate have just landed and we have a limited amount of stock still available for sale. While the 2010 Dominus recieved rave reviews from critics and is definitely a wine for cellaring, the 2011 is much more restrained and forward in style. In fact it is the perfect wine for drinking over the next year of two while you wait for the 2010s to mature." Jane Boyce MW
History
In the late 1960s, while attending the university of California at Davis, Christian Moueix of the famed Petrus family, fell in love with the Napa Valley and its wines. In 1995, he became sole owner of the 124 acre Napanook Estate. He chose the name 'Dominus' or 'Lord of the estate' in latin to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land.
2011 Vintage Summary
“A vintage that demanded experience and selection, 2011 was characterized by unusually wet conditions. The growing season began with a cold spring, delaying bloom after an early budbreak. Summer’s average temperatures prolonged the growing season. Rains at the beginning of October precipitated a selective harvest, where our Bordeaux experience of such conditions proved to be very useful.” Christian Moueix
The 2011 vintage displays fresh almond, wild strawberry and cassis. The wine has delicate notes of smooth caramel. Polished tannins, dark berries, cocoa and sage accompany a long elegant finish.
The 2011 vintage is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
We recommend decanting the wine prior to serving, to allow it to develop its full potential. This wine is ready to drink on arrival but will keep for another 10 – 15 years.
Critic’s comments:
Dominus 2011 – 94/100 Antonio Galloni
“Savory herbs, menthol, smoke and licorice are some of the aromas that open up in the glass in the 2011 Dominus. This is a relatively immediate, expressive Dominus with plenty of near-term appeal. The style is open and succulent for the year, with lovely balance and poise. Crushed rose petals and dried herbs linger in the close. With time in the glass, the 2011 fleshes out nicely”.
Napanook is an estate bottled wine from the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley, made from grapes carefully selected for their lively fruit and soft tannins. Notes of blonde tobacco and fresh cedar are integrated with lacy tannins. On the palate, the wine is bright and finishes with plum and mocha. A beautiful wine for pairing with beef or game. The 2011 vintage is composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 8% Cabernet Franc.
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
Critic’s comments:
Napanook 2011 – 91/100 Antonio Galloni
“The 2011 Napanook is deep, rich and intense for the year. Plums, mocha, spices, licorice all flesh out in an inviting wine to drink now and over the next few years. The 2011 has no hard edges or greenness, but the medium-bodied structure suggests it is best enjoyed sooner rather than later”
