Dominus Estate Proprietary Red Napanook Napa Valley 2023

Dominus is a certifiable legend here in Napa Valley, and its founder, Christian Moueix, is a bona fide superstar both in Napa and in his hometown of Bordeaux. We scored just ten cases of their 2023 Napanook Red for a killer price, and its generous, lush, amazingly integrated vibe is exactly what you want in a powerful Napa red.

Dominus has been a mainstay in the Napa Valley since 1982, bringing a California emphasis under the gaze of a Petrus-trained eye. Decades of success and cult-like status have made the yearly release of Dominus an extravagant affair – and this 2023 Napanook Red is sure to stand as one of the greatest of greats. Built from predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine takes 4% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for additional molten depth and nuance. All fruit is grown at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville on well-draining soils of gravel and clay loam, famously dry-farmed and tended to with organic and sustainable practices.

Napanook Vineyard itself has an even deeper history than Dominus Estate. It was first planted in 1838 by George Yount and later purchased by Inglenook owner John Daniel Jr. in 1946. After running Chateaux Petrus, Christian Moueix was looking for an entryway into Napa Valley at the same time as John Daniel’s daughters Robin Lail and Marcia Smith took over the estate in 1982 following his death. The two sisters and Christian partnered up and together built Dominus, releasing their first vintage in 1983. By 1995, Christian took full ownership, and the winery has been on an astronomical rise ever since.

Napanook is the estate’s second wine, first released in 1996 and upholding all the same meticulous standards and efforts of the Grand Vin. The 2023 is friendly and approachable even now, unveiling dark, muddled cherries, inky black currants, lavender mint julep, freshly sharpened pencils, and a sultry mix of dried, smashed oregano, sage, and thyme in the glass. A wet earth minerality and ripe tannins carry you to a lengthy, luscious finish. If you were to blind taste and guess this is in the realm of $150+ bottles, I wouldn’t blame you. Just as graceful, contemplative, and powerful as can be, for a price that feels illegal in this corner of Napa. Go get what you can, while you can!

PAIRING IDEAS: Give this something unexpected and flavorful, like a steamed bao bun packed with seared pork belly, fresh cucumber, and jalapeno, and a zingy hoisin-sriracha sauce. Such a fun combo!