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Dominus

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Dominus Estate

"When I first looked at this soil thirty years ago with my friend Daniel Baron, I thought it was the best soil I had seen in California. I had such a special feeling for the soil and location. It had a sense of history, something very rare in California."
- Christian Moueix, Proprietor

In the late 1960’s, while attending the University of California at Davis, Christian Moueix fell in love with the Napa Valley and its wines. Son of Jean-Pierre Moueix, the famed wine merchant and producer from Libourne, France, Moueix returned home in 1970 to manage the family vineyards, including Chateaux Petrus, La Fleur-Petrus, Trotanoy in Pomerol and Magdelaine in Saint Emilion.

His love of Napa Valley lingered and, in 1981, he discovered the historic NapaNook Vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville that had been the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines of the 1940’s and 1950’s. In 1982, Mouix entered into a partnership to develop the vineyard and, in 1995, became its sole owner. He chose the name ‘Dominus’ or ‘Lord of the Estate’ in Latin to underscore his longstanding commitment to stewardship of the land.

One of the most respected wine producers in the world, Christian Moueix is on a personal quest for perfection in grapegrowing and winemaking. It is a journey that began in Bordeaux and continues today at Dominus Estate, where he has instilled his philosophy and inspired his team to share his values. To walk the vineyard with Christian is to witness a commitment to the land, a strong sense of purpose and the modest soul of a man of the vines.

www.dominusestate.com

1988
4 In Stock
750ml
CO
WA91
View all wines by Dominus

Tasting Notes

WA91
The 1988 has to be among the top two or three Cabernets of the vintage. Other than 1983, the 3,300 cases produced in 1988 is the smallest production of Dominus to date, as over half the crop was deemed unsatisfactory. Twenty-five percent new oak was used. The dense, opaque ruby/purple color exhibits great saturation and intensity, and the nose is beginning to offer up smoked herb and ripe cassis aromas. In the mouth, the wine is deep, medium to full-bodied, with excellent concentration, and one of the longest, richest finishes I have found in a Cabernet Sauvignon from 1988. The tannins are noticeable, but softer than in the 1989 or 1987. Of all the current Dominus offerings, I suspect the 1988 and 1984 are the most flattering to drink at present. Nevertheless, this wine should easily evolve for another 10-15 or more years.

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