Dominus Napanook 2019

Dominus Napanook 2017

Napanook is a blend of Bordeaux varietals specifically selected from the estate vineyard for their lively fruit and bold character. Napanook wines are youthful and exuberant, meant to be enjoyed regularly when a more casual wine is called for. The 2017 growing season with punctuated by several significant heat waves in June, July, August, and September with a record-breaking 112 F on September 1st. Ripening was fast and homogenous. The severe heat wave before harvest induced significant crop loss. To maintain quality, fruit selection was critical and resulted in our smallest vintage since 1996 (our very first vintage). Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 89%, Cabernet Franc: 9%, Petit Verdot: 2%. Aged for 18 months in 20% new French oak.

Critical Acclaim

95 James Suckling

This is so drinkable now. Savory and yummy. Lots of blackberries, blueberries and currants. Full-to medium-bodied, tight and silky with beautiful freshness and finesse. So long and caressing, yet tightly grained tannins give it tension. Lovely drinkability

95 Wine Enthusiast

This spectacular wine is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon with 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It delivers seamless intensity in a mix of cedar and dried herbs, with length and depth balanced by polished tannins.

94 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2017 Napanook offers classy notes of cassis, black currants, toasted spices, and hints of flowers. With lots of chocolatey richness, medium to full body, and beautifully ripe tannins, it’s layered and has an impressive depth of fruit, followed by a great finish. It’s going to evolve for 15-20 years. It’s an incredible value in classic, impeccably made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

93 Vinous

The 2017 Napanook is forward, lush and quite giving – in other words, very much in keeping with the style of the year. Silky and radiant, with plenty of bright, red-toned fruit, the 2017 Napanook is one of the very finest Napa Valley Cabernets readers will find in this price range. This is such a gorgeous and inviting wine. When just opened, 2017 mostly offers density and opulence, but a few hours of air brings out layers of subtlety and aromatic nuance.

92 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2017 Napanook is made up of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and was aged in 20% new French oak barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notions of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and crushed black currants with touches of dark chocolate, licorice, fertile loam, underbrush, camphor and cinnamon stick plus a waft of lilacs. Full-bodied with a firm level of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the bold, spicy black fruit layers, it finishes on a lingering perfumed note. With further time, it begins to reveal the mineral signature of the estate, delivering a glimpse at the gravitas to come.

91 Wine Spectator

This is focused and restrained in style, offering lightly mulled red currant and raspberry fruit flavors laced with subtle sandalwood, tea, and savory and warm stone notes. Approachable now, but aging won’t hurt either.