# Dominus Estate (2009)

- **Producer:** Dominus Estate
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.3%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, black cherry, red cherry, black plum, vanilla, cloves, red plum, cedar, cedar, vanilla, cloves, leather, forest floor, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Dominus Estate 2009 is a red wine from the Napa Valley AVA, specifically the Yountville sub-region. It is produced by Dominus Estate, the Napa Valley venture of Bordeaux proprietor Christian Moueix. The wine originates from the historic Napanook Vineyard, established in 1838. The 2009 vintage benefited from an ideal growing season, marked by balanced rainfall and moderate temperatures, leading to optimal berry development. The estate's philosophy centers on minimal intervention and respecting the vineyard's unique terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Napanook Vineyard was planted in 1838, making it one of Napa's historic sites.
- Christian Moueix also owns Château Pétrus in Bordeaux.
- The estate practices dry farming to encourage deep root growth.
- Minimal intervention is a core philosophy at Dominus Estate.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm, elegant tannins are well-suited to complement the protein in rich meat dishes, softening as they interact. The wine's concentration and depth can stand up to robust flavors, while subtle herbal or earthy notes in the food can echo the wine's complexity.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Dominus Estate emphasizes minimal intervention. Grapes undergo meticulous sorting, both by hand and using optical technology. Fermentation is managed lot-by-lot with gentle pump-overs for extraction. A vertical wine press is employed for a refined press wine. The wine is subsequently aged for 18-20 months in 100% French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak contributing to its development. The estate practices dry farming as a key vineyard management technique.