Dominus Napanook Napa Valley 2023

Dominus is one of the great wines of Napa Valley.

But what many people don’t realize is just how serious the second wine has become.

The 2023 Napanook is no longer simply a “second wine.” As the vines on the Napanook estate have matured, the quality of the fruit has reached a level where this bottling now stands firmly on its own.

And in 2023, it really shows.

Produced by Christian Moueix, the same mind behind Château Pétrus and Dominus, this wine comes from the same legendary vineyard in Yountville. The difference is no longer about quality. It is about style.

The blend is 92 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, even higher than Dominus itself in this vintage, with the same meticulous approach to farming and élevage, including French oak aging and precise parcel selection.

In the glass, the family resemblance is unmistakable.

But where Dominus is built for long-term evolution, Napanook offers a more open, accessible expression of Napa Valley Cabernet. The mid-palate is generous, the tannins are more approachable, and the wine delivers immediate pleasure without sacrificing depth.

Critics are paying attention.

James Suckling awarded the wine 97 points, placing it just a few points behind Dominus in the same vintage.

And that is where the story becomes compelling.

This is a wine that delivers a Dominus-level experience at a significantly lower price point.

For collectors, it is a smart buy.

For drinkers, it is one of the most satisfying Napa Cabernets you can open right now.