Napanook, Christian Moueix - Dominus Estate 2017

This is so drinkable now. Savory and yummy. Lots of blackberries, blueberries and currants. Full-to medium-bodied, tight and silky with beautiful freshness and finesse. So long and caressing, yet tightly grained tannins give it tension. Lovely drinkability. Available April 2020. Drink or hold.

There was about 40% of a normal crop this year due to strict selection. Grapes were harvested from September 21 to October 3 and the wine was bottled in May 2019. The 2017 Napanook is made up of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and was aged in 20% new French oak barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notions of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and crushed black currants with touches of dark chocolate, licorice, fertile loam, underbrush, camphor and cinnamon stick plus a waft of lilacs. Full-bodied with a firm level of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the bold, spicy black fruit layers, it finishes on a lingering perfumed note. With further time, it begins to reveal the mineral signature of the estate, delivering a glimpse at the gravitas to come with 5-7 years in the cellar. 1,400 cases were made. Drink 2020 - 2032.