The story of Dominus started in the late 1960’s when Bordeaux winemaker Christian Moueix fell in love with Napa Valley and its wines. He discovered the historic Napanook Vineyard, one of the first vineyards planted in the Napa Valley, and in 1981 and entered into a partnership to develop it.

Becoming its sole owner in 1995, he chose the name “Dominus” or “Lord of the Estate”, to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land. From this estate, Moueix produces two wines: the flagship “cult” red Dominus, and Napanook, a lively and youthful blend of Bordeaux varieties that is meant to be consumed more as an “every day” wine.

The estate is situated on the foothills of the Mayacamas range and enjoys a temperate climate. 103 acres are predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon along with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on gravelly and clay loam soil. The estate practices sustainability and is at the forefront of preserving the environment.

The Dominus winery itself is noted for its one-of-a-kind construction, designed by visionary Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. Constructed from gabions filled with basalt rocks, the unique design provides insulation from the heat and cold, while allowing natural light to filter through.

Known for its complexity and balance, Dominus demonstrates the potential of a wine produced on the exceptional terroir of the Napanook vineyard. Structured, seamless and perfectly integrated, this is an elegant wine that only improves with age. Bunches are hand-sorted, complemented by optical scanning to ensure only the highest quality grapes are used, gently pressed at low-pressure, and fermented in separate lots before resting in 100% French oak.

It is recommended to decant Dominus prior to serving, to allow it to develop its full potential, particularly when consuming young vintages.

Introducing the exquisite 2017 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine, a true masterpiece from the renowned Dominus estate in Napa, California. This opulent red wine is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, carefully selected from a limited harvest due to strict standards. With a deep, alluring purple-black color that captivates the eye, this wine gracefully dances out of the glass, revealing a symphony of aromas and flavors.

On the nose, the 2017 Dominus enchants with a complex bouquet of potpourri, forest floor, crushed rocks, Ceylon tea, and licorice. As the wine evolves, notes of black currant cordial, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries, and preserved plums emerge, accompanied by a hint of garrigue. It is a sensory journey that transports you to an enchanting garden, filled with vibrant flowers and enticing spices.

The palate of this full-bodied beauty showcases a remarkable intensity of black and blue fruits, with layers of floral and spicy nuances that add depth and complexity. Firm yet plush tannins provide a luxurious texture, while a long-lasting finish leaves a lasting impression of earthy notes. This is a wine that demands attention, with its wonderfully quiet intensity and impeccable balance.

Renowned wine critics have unanimously praised the 2017 Dominus. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a staggering 97+ points, highlighting its exceptional quality and limited production. James Suckling also bestowed a score of 97 points, praising its intense aromas, complexity, and exciting length. Jeb Dunnuck compared it to the prestigious Chateau Lafite, applauding its elegance, structure, and aging potential. Wine Spectator awarded it 95 points, commending its focused core of fruit and precise savory elements. Finally, Wine Enthusiast granted it a score of 96 points, noting its luxurious aromas, balanced palate, and long-term aging potential.

As an expert, I highly recommend cellaring this exceptional wine for a few years to allow it to fully develop its potential. However, if you can't resist its allure, it can be enjoyed now with great pleasure, particularly when paired with hearty dishes such as roasted lamb or aged cheeses. The 2017 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine is a true gem of California winemaking, a testament to the artistry and dedication of the Dominus estate. Indulge in this extraordinary wine and experience a taste of perfection.