2020 Dominus, Napa Valley

Christian Moueix's Dominus Estate is founded upon a dry-farming philosophy at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, promoting deep-rooted vines in its gravelly, volcanic loam soils. This commitment to site expression is further reinforced by certified organic viticulture and a minimalist winemaking approach, employing meticulous sorting and gentle extraction to preserve fruit integrity. The 2020 growing season, marked by a dry winter, warm summer temperatures, and August heat spikes, necessitated rigorous vineyard management and pre-harvest testing, which confirmed the berries' purity from smoke taint. The resulting Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend exhibits an impressive, refined structure, characterized by a firm, grainy texture and substantial mid-palate density. Despite the vintage's warm conditions, the wine retains ample freshness and bright acidity, integrating with its persistent, velvety tannins to promise significant aging potential.