Subtle aromas of crushed berries and tile. Mushrooms. Almost dusty. Full to medium body, powdery tannins and mouthfeel. Bright acidity that gives the wine beautiful and enticing freshness. Gentle and ethereal red. The first vintage of the new wine from the owners of Dominus. The vineyard is located in Oakville near Vine Hill. Drink or hold.

A striking bouquet of briary blackberry, wild plum, dark soil and warm spices is followed by a sappy, juicy wine underpinned by fine tannins and fresh acidity. There is palpable energy to this outstanding debut vintage of Ulysses, Christian Mouiex's new project in southwest Oakville.

The 2012 Ulysses (800 cases) is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest other Bordeaux varietals. A structured, dense purple wine that displays plenty of cedar wood, crème de cassis, licorice and graphite, the wine is full-bodied, rich, backward and dense, but beautifully pure fruit and an almost Pontet-Canet-like purity and density are hallmarks of this brilliant wine. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink it over the following 20-25. - Robert Parker

Expressive, with loam, tobacco and singed alder notes leading off, quickly followed by an ample core of plum, blackberry and black currant preserve flavors. Dense for sure, but stays fresh overall, with loamy nuances swirling around the fruit through the finish. Best from 2022 through 2035. 800 cases made. — JM