Napanook 2005

Napanook 2005

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  • Robert Parker rating 91
  • Vinous rating 90
  • Jancis Robinson rating 17
Napanook 2005
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HED06113

75 cl

14%
£95.00
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Napanook 2005 is a red blend from the Yountville AVA in Napa Valley and serves as the second wine of the Dominus Estate. The 2005 bottling features a profile of blackcurrant, cedar and sage with a structural frame of fine tannins and a balanced acidity. It is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon and prioritises a classical and vertical style with a core of dark fruit complemented by secondary notes of tobacco and truffle.
91 Robert Parker
The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Napanook (76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot) reveals a big, spicy, tobacco, black currant, sweet cherry, new saddle leather, and loamy soil-scented bouquet. With attractive fruit, a soft, round, full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful complexity as well as balance, it is one of the most Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in Napa. This 2005 should drink easily for 10-12 years.

Christian Moueix, Dominus’ owner, has purchased the 35-acre Swanson Vineyard, which is situated between the well-known California bistros, Brix and Mustard’s. I suspect that will result in a third label from Dominus. At present, the production from these large holdings in Yountville is approximately 10,000-12,000 cases, with the second wine, Napanook, representing 3,500-4,000 cases, depending on the vintage. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the great Merlot specialist at his flagship chateaux in Pomerol, especially Petrus, prefers the other Bordeaux varietals at his Napa property. Interestingly, when I visit Dominus, they always open a fresh bottle and serve it alongside a bottle that has been decanted for 24 hours. On each occasion, the more complex, open wine is the one that has had 24 hours of aeration, something buyers of this wine should take into consideration. These are the two strongest back to back vintages for Dominus since 1990-1991 and 2001-2002.

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90 Vinous
Good deep red-ruby. Complex, enticing aromas of black raspberry, brown spices, game and earth. Sweet and lush, but with a juicy acid spine giving firmness to the dark raspberry, redcurrant and floral flavors. Spicy and shapely for this second wine, with good energy and length.Stephen Tanzer1st May 2008
17 Jancis Robinson
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot from Yountville. 16 months in barrel, 20% new oak. Asian spice and sandalwood on the nose. Medium-full palate of ripe plum, tart dried red cherry and black cherry. Quite tight and tannic, though with refreshing acidity. (LM)

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Dominus Estate

Dominus Estate

A First Growth in Napa

Along with Opus One, Dominus is one of the greatest examples of applying the Bordelais approach to winemaking to the great vineyards of the Napa Valley. Grapes are sourced from Yountville, specifically the historic Napanook vineyard, from which the winery's second wine takes its name.

The 'Grand Vin' is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot - a classic Bordeaux blend. After vinification, around 30% of the wine is loaded into new oak barrels for 15 months before bottling. Initial releases of Dominus met with mixed reviews, but since the late 1990s, the winery has established itself as one of the greatest in America.

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