Dominus Napanook Napa Valley 2019

Christian Moueix, one of the most respected wine producers in the world, directed Chateau Petrus for 38 years. His love for Napa Valley lead him to create Dominus from the historic Napanook vineyard in 1981. Napanook is a Bordeaux blend selected from the estate vineyard. It’s savory and delicious, with flavors of currant, licorice, and tobacco, in an exuberant, forward style. 93% Cabernet Sauvignon. Less than 2,000 cases produced.

JS96: An open and beautiful wine with green-olive and currant aromas and flavors. Some bark and earth, too, together with mushrooms, herbs, crushed stones and pomegranate. Medium to full body with round, creamy tannins and refined finish. Blood orange at the end. Crunchy. So drinkable now, but will age beautifully.

WA93: Exuberantly fruity on the nose, the 2019 Napanook is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Despite seeing 40% new French oak, what shines on the nose are the ripe cherries, delicately brushed with wisps of tobacco, sage and bay leaf. It's medium to full-bodied, supple and silky in feel on the palate, while the finish lingers easily, adding notes of pencil shavings and mocha. To get this sort of pedigree for less than $100 is a rarity in Napa these days, making it a notable value.