2018 Dominus, Napa Valley

Under Christian Moueix's direction, Dominus Estate cultivates its historic Napanook vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley, through meticulous dry-farming and vineyard stewardship to express the site's unique character. The vineyard's well-draining, gravelly clay loam soils, situated at the base of the Mayacamas, impart a foundational mineral tension to the wine. The 2018 growing season, characterized by a long, mild summer without significant heat spikes, enabled a gradual and complete physiological ripeness. This extended hangtime yielded a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend with a deep, intricate structure, defined by fine-grained tannins and a persistent, balanced acidity. The resulting wine presents considerable mid-palate density and architectural precision, reflective of both terroir and vintage.