Dominus Napanook, Napa Valley, CA

This week’s pick was recommended by Frank Ortiz, sommelier at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA.  Dominus was founded on the historic Napanook Vineyards by Christian Moueix, the man behind the coveted Chateaux Petrus and Trotanoy.  His Napa estate wine is a staple of award-winning wine lists across the country and beyond, and factors into Wine Spectator’s Auction Index.  Napanook is essentially the winery’s second wine.  It is a blend of Bordeaux varietals crafted to be enjoyed young, and to complement an array of foods.

The wine does have aging potential, as Frank Ortiz recently chose to pour the 1992 vintage by the glass at the Mission Inn’s newest outlet, 54 Degrees at Duane’s Prime Steaks.  Frank observed a lot of oak, a high level of tannins and peppery notes on this red, which he’ll pour in your choice of three different sizes.  He recommends pairing this wine with a fat, juicy rib-eye.

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