Dominus Estate 2013, Napa Valley

Dominus, created in Yountville, Napa Valley by Christian Moueix and Tod Mostero, is one of the most acclaimed wines from California. Since 1983, this wine has reflected the special terroir of the Napanook Vineyard and is renowned for its depth and finesse.

Christian Moueix is ​​convinced that the quality of the wine begins in the vineyard. Although Napanook has a hot and dry microclimate, he uses French methods, like those used by his family at Château Petrus in Bordeaux. A special system cleans the bunches of dust before harvest, and the grapes from the sunny side are harvested a week earlier than those from the shady side.

Upon arrival at the winery, the stems are removed and the grapes undergo both automatic and manual sorting to ensure that only the best are used. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (40% new) and clarified with egg whites before bottling.

Robert Parker awarded the 2013 Dominus 100 points, describing it as full of aromas of Asian spice, blackcurrant, kirsch, tobacco and Christmas cake. The wine is full-bodied and rich, with a perfect balance of acidity, wood and tannin, and can be aged for 25-30 years.

Christian Moueix has had two of his most notable vintages with 2012 and 2013. The 2012 Dominus, consisting of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, is reminiscent of the excellent 1991 and 1994 vintages, which are still impressive and show no signs of aging if stored properly.