2002 Dominus Estate

ABOUT THE WINE

In 1982 Christian Moueix, owner of Chateau Petrus, having fallen in love with Napa Valley during his studies in the 1960s, discovered the legendary Napanook Vineyard on the Rutherford Bench. In 1995 he purchased a section of the vineyard, and created Dominus Estate, with a mission to produce an iconic Napa Valley wine. The vineyard contains vines over 100 years old, and has contributed to some of the finest and most long-lasting wines Napa Valley has ever produced. The Estate Red is aged in oak barrels, of which 1/3 are new, for 15 months, a serious rival to Opus One...

TASTING NOTES

Poised and vibrant; not the classic Napa Valley blockbuster, yet by no means without weight and power, the structure of the wine has allowed it to age spectacularly, resulting in a seamless integration of tannin, oak and acidity. Kirsch and blackcurrant intermingles with dried tobacco, damp earth, cocoa and cedar; the finish is silken and multi-layered, as the complexity of the palate carries through. Will happily age for another 15 years, but we recommend succumbing to the temptation.

FOOD PAIRING

Beef, preferably steak, or tenderloin; the meat needs to have sufficient structure to match to the wine.

FRIARWOOD SAYS

Decanting several hours in advance is recommended for this extremely distinctive Napa Valley wine.