In Bond Fine Wine. 2019 Christian Moueix Napanook, Yountville, California, USA. Red usa-california in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 94/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2022–2035. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Dominus Estate is the Napa Valley project of Christian Moueix (of Petrus fame). Firmly established as one of California's most ervered wines, marrying Bordeax sensibility with Napa terroir. Since its first vintage in the 1980s, Dominus has been celebrated as one of the icon Napa wines.
Joe Czerwinski (JC) — 93/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 24/11/2023 · Drink 2022-2035
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 shavi…
James Suckling (JS) — 96/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 14/03/2022
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.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 94/100 · Vinous, 01/02/2023 · Drink 2024-2034
A fabulous effort, the 2019 Napanook punches well above its weight. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2019 is a big, generous wine that captures all the radiance of the late summer heat. Black cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, licorice and incense fill out the layers. As always, I tasted the 2019 from two bottles, one opened on the spot, the second double decanted a few hours prior. Aeration makes a h…