The next day after the Trotanoy dinner 3rd generation owner Edouard Moueix hosted a Dominus Masterclass as part of the Wine Advocat’s Matter of Taste Singapore.
Dominus Estate is in Napa Valley’s Yountville appellation, is a flagship property co-owned by the Moueix family. Established by Christian Moueix in 1983 together with the Heitz Family, the estate represents a seamless blend of Bordeaux winemaking traditions and Napa’s extraordinary terroir. Today the Moueix family has full ownership. The heart of Dominus is the historic Napanook Vineyard, first planted in 1838, where its gravelly volcanic soils and ideal microclimate produce wines of remarkable complexity and structure. Under Christian Moueix’s meticulous guidance, Dominus has become celebrated for its Bordeaux-inspired blends, crafted with precision and balance. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc are part of the blend. Known for their elegance, longevity, and ability to express the essence of Napa, Dominus wines have earned a reputation as some of the finest examples of New World winemaking with Old World sensibilities. These properties were confirmed in today’s masterclass. I found it more balanced than many (over)ripe cult wines I had. Edouard mentioned that they actively work to retain structure, elegance and freshness and not just ripe fruit.
There were two distinct styles today.
– The 2002, 2008 which were much fruitier/sweeter and not to my personal pleasing
– The 2001, 2006, 2009 more structured and Bordeaux style. I liked them a lot
– The 2010 combines both strength and therefore walks away as the winner
Tasting Notes
2001 Dominus Estate 96 Points
Dark ruby with purple core. Expressive nose of spices, dark fruit, eucalyptus, cassis. On the palate cool and refreshing with lots of blue fruit, good structure and elegance. Very classic, not your typical sweet Napa Cab Sav. If you like Bordeaux, try this.
2002 Dominus Estate 92 Points
Dark purple. Expressive nose of dark fruit, licorice and cassis, hits of eucalyptus too. On the palate this one is ripe and sweet, just like the 2008, too sweet for my taste. I miss the precision and sappyness on the palate. May be if you are used to Napa CabSav this one will appeal to you more than the 01 and 06.
2006 Dominus Estate 96 Points
Dark purple. Expressive nose of dark fruit, eucalyptus, earthy and forresty notes. On the palate this is deep and structured with lots of layers. The tannins need more time but they are very creamy. This was like the 02, with more backbone than the sweeter vintages. I like this style much better. Wait till 2016.
2008 Dominus Estate 92 Points
Dark purple. A bit alcoholic nose with dark fruit, licorice and cassis, hits of eucalyptus too. On the palate this one was the most one dimensional to me, sweetness dominated. Like the 02 you have to like it fruity. I miss the precision and sappyness on the palate. If you are used to Napa or new to CabSav this one will appeal to you more than the 01 and 06.
2009 Dominus Estate 96 Points
Dark purple. Discrete nose of dark fruit, earthy notes with eucalyptus. On the palate this is well structured with good balance and freshness. Really great wine with lots of depth. Needs time. Wait until 2019.
2010 Dominus Estate 97 Points
Dark purple. Expressive nose of dark fruit, earthy notes and the typical mint and eucalyptus scents of Napa. On the palate this marries ripeness with structure, really squaring the circle. A really great Dominus, still young but if you can’t resist decant for 2h and try a bottle. Otherwise wait until 10 years bottle age and something great is awaiting you. With 100 points and a Moueix (=Petrus) affiliation the price tag is quite high, but then again compared to the cult micro estates (Screaming Eagle, Harlan & Co.) is is almost a bargain…
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master