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 2020 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine, a captivating blend that showcases the artistry of the esteemed Dominus estate. With its deep, garnet hue and enticing aromas, this wine is a true expression of the North Coast region of California, specifically the renowned Napa appellation.

Upon first encounter, the 2020 Dominus envelops the senses with intoxicating aromas of blackcurrants and black cherries, intertwined with delicate hints of graphite, wet earth, and fragrant lavender. As the wine breathes, a subtle note of sandalwood emerges, adding a touch of complexity to the bouquet.

On the palate, this full-bodied red wine reveals an impressive and refined structure that runs deep and vertical, captivating the senses with its sheer power and elegance. The tannins are chewy and well-integrated, providing a firm backbone to the wine's luscious fruit flavors. As the wine lingers, hints of chocolate and hazelnut emerge, adding a delightful touch of indulgence to the finish.

Acclaimed wine critic James Suckling awarded the 2020 Dominus an impressive score of 98 points, praising its refined structure and noting that it will benefit from five or six years of cellaring to soften further. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also recognized the excellence of this wine, awarding it a score of 95 points. They described it as a richly textured wine, predominantly showcasing cassis flavors, with a long, velvety finish adorned with nuances of mocha and dark chocolate.

Wine Spectator also heaped praise on the 2020 Dominus, awarding it a score of 95 points. They hailed it as a wonderfully pure wine, with the dominant flavors of cassis and plum reduction taking center stage. The wine's refined and seductive nature is complemented by a caressing feel on the palate, and a finish that reveals subtle shades of warm earth.

With its exceptional reviews and undeniable allure, the 2020 Dominus Proprietary Red Wine is a remarkable addition to any wine enthusiast's collection. This wine promises to captivate discerning palates and evolve gracefully over the years, rewarding those who choose to experience its splendor.