2015 Dominus "Napanook" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

Brought up in 20% new barrels, the 2015 Napanook is an awesome wine in its own right, offering classic cassis, tobacco, leafy herbs, and violets notes, with an almost Bordeaux-like earthiness. Full-bodied, incredibly pure and seamless on the palate as well as impeccably balanced, it’s more than worth your time and money.

I first tasted this wine at the Yountville Appellation tasting at Premiere Napa Valley and it made a lasting impression on me. In a room positively packed with super high-end Napa Cabs and poured along side of its "Big Brother" the 2015 Dominus; I was thoroughly impressed how this wine held up and even surpassed many of its much more expensive competitors. Hailing from the exact some vines that produce Dominus' "1st wine" - the pedigree is clear to see. Parcels of Napanook destined fruit are selected for their fresher, more approachable flavor profile. I love this wines very classic take on the varietal. This isn't a ripe, over the top wine by any stretch of the imagination. In fact it stood out as one of the more balanced, pure, traditional wines in the room. There is plenty of powerful black and blue fruit, plum, cassis, briary notes, loamy earth, but also freshly picked mint, dry leaves, cigar box and bay laurel. The wine is concentrated but quite linear and bright; drinking beautifully upon release but seems like a wine that will also age quite effortlessly for a decade or so. One of the last true values out there...especially in a great (but low yielding) vintage like 2015.