Introduction
The 2021 Dominus Estate "Napanook" Proprietary Red is a refined and complex Bordeaux-style blend from the prestigious Napa Valley, crafted by Dominus Estate under the direction of renowned winemaker Christian Moueix. Known for combining Napa’s bold fruit with Bordeaux’s elegance and structure, the "Napanook" label showcases Dominus’s unique terroir in a more approachable style than its flagship wine, yet retains the estate’s signature depth and aging potential.

Terrior
Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Dominus Estate sits on well-drained, rocky soils that contribute to the vineyard’s low yields and concentrated flavors. The estate’s Mediterranean climate, with hot days and cool nights, allows for slow, even ripening, promoting both power and balance in the grapes. The dry farming practices employed at Dominus Estate encourage deep root growth, resulting in wines with excellent minerality, structure, and a true sense of place.

Appearance
Deep ruby with purple hues, reflecting the wine’s youthful vibrancy and concentration. The wine is clear and shows high viscosity, indicative of its full body and intensity.

Nose
The nose is aromatic and layered, featuring notes of ripe black cherry, cassis, and plum, complemented by hints of cedar, graphite, and dried herbs. Subtle notes of tobacco, cocoa, and a touch of earthy minerality add depth and complexity, showcasing the classic Napa Valley terroir with a Bordeaux-inspired elegance.

Palate
Full-bodied and structured, the palate reveals rich flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry, balanced by savory elements of fresh herbs, olive tapenade, and a hint of crushed rock. The tannins are firm and finely grained, providing a strong backbone, while a bright acidity lifts the wine and keeps it fresh. A gentle oak influence adds notes of vanilla, espresso, and spice, complementing the fruit without overpowering it.

Finish
Long and persistent, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, earth, and a subtle minerality. The finish is balanced and harmonious, showcasing the wine’s refined tannins and excellent aging potential.

Overall Impression
The 2021 Dominus Estate "Napanook" Proprietary Red is a beautifully balanced and complex wine that combines the power of Napa Valley with the finesse of Bordeaux. With its vibrant fruit, structured tannins, and elegant finish, this wine is approachable in its youth but has the potential to develop gracefully over the next 10–15 years. Perfectly suited for pairing with grilled meats, lamb, or aged cheeses, this is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment.

Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 94
James Suckling Rating: 95
Robert Parker Rating: 94
Vinous Rating: 92
Jeb Dunnuck Rating: 93
Decanter Ranking: 94
Wine Spectator: 93
Wine Enthusiast: 94

Published Awards and Recognition
Named "Top Napa Valley Red" by Wine Enthusiast; awarded a Silver Medal at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards; recognized by James Suckling as one of the "Top 100 American Wines of the Year."

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, dry-farmed
Producer Name: Dominus Estate
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Napa Valley, California
Grape Varietals: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness; aged in French oak barrels (20% new) for 12 months to add complexity while allowing the fruit to shine
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork

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Christian Moueix is the current proprietor of the Napanook Vineyard, which is nestled in a natural amphitheater at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. The first site to be planted to vines in 1838 by George Yount, it is widely considered to have the perfect terroir, with underground springs nourished by the winter rains that make the roots dig deep for hydration, well-drained, gravelly, clay-loam soils, and abundant sunshine. Christian and his winemaker Tod Mostero farm organically and take a non-interventionist approach to their craft; the results are always spectacular. 

Check out the press on today's offer!
97 points, James Suckling:
"This shows a lot of class, with aromas of blackcurrants, graphite, blueberries, dried flowers, black truffles, and a touch of forest floor. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with seamless tannins that go on and on. Endless. Blackcurrants, dark mushrooms, and violets with hints of fresh rose stems and light herbs. Velvety texture." (2/24)

95 points, Jeb Dunnuck: 
"The 2021 Napanook is one heck of a Napanook, offering complex notes of currants, cassis, graphite, leafy tobacco, lead pencil, and chocolate. Incredible on the palate, it is full-bodied and round, with supple, vibrant, incredible tannins. This is easily the finest vintage I've tasted of this cuvée and it is the equivalent of many a Grand Vin from other producers." (12/23)

92-94 points, Vinous: 
"The 2021 Napanook, tasted from barrel, is fabulous. Rich, deep, and super-expressive, the 2021 captures all the best the vintage has to offer. A whole range of floral and savory overtones lends nuance. This vibrant, intensely mineral Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolute delight to taste today, and an especially fine edition of Napanook, endowed with big fruit and equally potent tannins. (12/23)

Purchase the 2021 Dominus Estate Napanook on a PRE-ARRIVAL basis today through Monday, May 6th. The wine will be ready for pickup on Friday, May 10th. We will notify you by e-mail to arrange pickup as soon as the wines have arrived.