“One of the finest wines of the vintage, it is complete, full-bodied, and seamlessly built with beautiful ripe tannins, low acidity, and a luscious, layered mouthfeel. The aromatics are even more evolved and complex than the 2005's. The 2006 should drink well for 20-25 years,” wrote Robert Parker upon tasting the 2006 Estate Red from Dominus. Upon release, Dominus explained that the 2006 is “dark red, almost deep crimson in color. ¬The nose is dense and compact, filled with dark berries, blond tobacco, black cherries, and cacao. ¬The entry is both powerful and supple, spherical in quality. Perfectly ripe, the enveloped tannins are firm, round, and elegant. Black fruit and licorice linger throughout the evolution in mouth, well-balanced and harmonious.” Th¬e 2006 growing season started late; bud-break was delayed by very wet and cold weather throughout winter and early spring. An exceptionally hot mid-summer season helped accelerate growth. By the end of July, when temperatures soared over 100F on eight days, the vines entered into a more typical cycle. Beautiful weather followed in August, with characteristic warm days and cool nights. Mid-veraison was observed on August 8. Mild temperatures throughout the months of September and October allowed for increased hang-time and favored perfect ripening. The final blend for 2006 was 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. 

In the world of wine, few have the experience of Christian Moueix. With over fifty years of producing wines in Bordeaux’s Right Bank and thirty-eight in the Napa Valley, his record in both the old and new worlds has given him unrivaled insights. Son of legendary Jean-Pierre Moueix, Christian was born in Libourne in 1946. After completing agricultural engineering studies in Paris and graduate studies in viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis, he returned to France. In 1983, Christian Moueix began producing Dominus from the historic Napanook vineyard in Yountville. The Napanook vineyard encompasses 134 acres, 102 of which are presently planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  Its gravelly clay loam soils gently slope 3-10%, ensuring natural drainage. Dominus Estate is engaged in a long-term campaign of environmental restoration and biodiversity. Their ranch is planted throughout with native species and wildflowers and provides refuge for California wildlife. After an extensive renewal, Hopper Creek has become a thriving ecosystem and today Dominus Estate’s work is considered a model of creek restoration in the Napa Valley.