2011 Dominus Estate Christian Moueix Napa Valley USA

Winery Notes

"Located at the foothills of the Mayacamas, the vineyard was planted in 1838 and continues to evolve under the stewardship of Christian Moueix. The estate's Bordeaux varietals benefit from the Yountville microclimate where temperatures are moderated by cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The resulting wines are each uniquely refined expressions of this special terroir."

Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc

"A perfumed and refined nose of rose petal, orange rind, raspberry and coriander flower. This elegant nature continues through the palate, which is lacy and plush, but becomes quite rustic on the finish. Continues to evolve over hours and days, never showing itself the same way twice. Still laying in wait, although perfectly enjoyable now."

Rated 96 Points Decanter

"Christian Moueix and his team at Dominus have experience with rainy vintages in Bordeaux. They also farm a site that is particularly well adapted to draining excess water. So they produced a remarkable 2011, a late vintage challenged by rain close to harvest, It's proof that a challenge met can create something sublime-like this floral, red raspberry-scented vintage of Dominus. It's tense chord of flavor incorporating green herb, tobbacco, casis and raspberry in a lasting harmony. The sophistocated structure suggests it will age with grace, while the gentleness of that structure will make it accessible along the way. A great bottle for lamb."

Rated 94 Points Wine & Spirits

"The 2011 Dominus is a bold, powerful wine. It opens with a huge bouquet redolent of dried herbs, licorice, spice, tobacco and espresso. Relative to most vintages of Dominus, the 2011 is a bit light, but compared to most wines of the year, it is pretty big! The cool, savory notes that are typical of the year are present, but not dominant, while the 2011 is marked by a distinctly red fruit profile."

Rated 94 Points Vinous