Ratings & Tasting Notes:

97 points James Suckling

Fabulous nose of mushrooms, like porcini, with black truffle that turns to citrus fruits such as orange and tangerine. Some vine bark. Full-bodied yet wonderfully firm and formed with refined and polished tannins. Super definition.

95 points Vinous

Just as magnificent from bottle as it was in barrel, the 2013 Napanook is dense, powerful and brooding, with searing intensity and extraordinary balance. Lavender, plums, violets, licorice and smoke are some of the signatures, but the 2013 exudes finesse, power and intensity. Bracing and searing, the 2013 is going to require quite a bit of patience. If anything, this is an insane level of quality for the second selection. The 2013 could turn out to be a thirty year old wine. It is every bit that magnificent, especially if given some aeration. (AG)

Cult Wines International Notes:

Napanook is the second wine of the prestigious Dominus Estate, located in Napa Valley’s Yountville AVA. While both wines are made from grapes grown on the historic Napanook vineyard, Napanook is crafted to be a more accessible and earlier-drinking expression of the site’s terroir compared to the flagship Dominus wine.

The Napanook vineyard, which dates back to 1836, provides the foundation for both wines. However, the blend for Napanook often differs slightly from the main wine, allowing for a unique identity. It is typically a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend, with varying proportions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.

First released in 1996, Napanook is known for being a powerful yet more approachable wine in its youth. It generally showcases a vibrant fruit profile, balanced by supple tannins and a notable freshness. The wine reflects the classic Dominus style of elegance and restraint, while offering a more immediate and fruit-forward drinking experience. It represents an excellent introduction to the quality and character of the Dominus Estate.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Outstanding condition.