Dominus & Napanook, Napa Valley

2020 Vintage – En Primeur

Dominus Estate was established in Yountville, California by Christian Moueix in 1982. It is situated on the Napanook vineyard, which can be traced back to Napa Valley’s beginnings, when George Yount first planted grapevines there in 1838. A model for sustainable farming practices, meticulous work in vines and winery result in wines that are pure, balanced, complex expressions of their unique terroir.

2020 was a year full of challenges for the winemakers of Napa Valley. The growing season was characterized by dry, warm conditions, with rainfall significantly below the historical average. The LNU wildfire then broke out across Northern California on 17th August, bringing smoke to the Valley. In response to this, the Dominus team decided to rinse the leaves and grapes several times whilst still on the vines, in order to avoid any smoke taint. Hand harvest started on 16th September, with strict selection being required. This, together with the season’s drought, resulted in 2020 being the smallest vintage of recent years, with yields being halved.

Despite the extremes of the 2020 season, the Dominus wines display beautiful harmony and elegance. This is the result of both the experience of the team coupled with the resilience of the vines thanks to dry-farming (i.e. no irrigation), the foundation of the Estate’s philosophy.

Prices are quoted per case in bond UK, for delivery in spring 2024.