Dominus Estate Othello 2018

Othello 2018, Dominus Estate Napa Valley

Othello 2018 is the third wine fromDominus Estate Winery">Dominus Estate , created to showcase the class of the historic Napanook terroir in an early-drinking, accessible style. What exactly is Othello 2018? It's a Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley , featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc from the Napanook vineyard, aged in French oak, and sourced from the acclaimed 2018 vintage. The style is juicy and refined, with ripe red and black fruit, a cool signature, and the characteristic precision of owner-winemaker Christian Moueix, known for wines such as Pétrus in Bordeaux.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for Othello 2018 come entirely from the Napanook vineyard near Yountville , in the heart of Napa Valley. This vineyard is considered one of Napa's birthplaces: George Yount planted the valley's first vines here in the 19th century, and in the 1940s and 1950s, Napanook provided the fruit for several legendary Inglenook vintages. The 42 hectares are divided into plots with mainly gravelly and loamy-clay soils, which give the Cabernet grapes strength and finesse.

Dominus employs dry farming here: the vines are not irrigated, forcing the roots deep into the poor soil, producing concentrated fruit with a natural balance. The location in the relatively cool Yountville AVA allows for a long ripening period, allowing the grapes to develop their aromatic complexity without becoming overripe.

Vinification and maturation

Othello 2018 takes full advantage of the near-ideal conditions of the 2018 Napa harvest, a long and even growing season without extreme heat, renowned worldwide for its balance and refinement. Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand in multiple rounds; the sunny side of the bunch is picked a few days before the shaded side, ensuring each grape is harvested at its peak ripeness.

After arriving at the cellar, the bunches are rigorously selected through manual and optical sorting. Fermentation takes place with gentle extraction and careful pouring, focusing on fine tannins rather than raw power. The wine then matures for 14 months in French oak barriques, which imparts structure and subtle notes of cedar and spice without overpowering the fruit. The alcohol content is around 14.5%, fitting the ripe yet cool signature of the 2018 vintage.

Grape composition

Cabernet Sauvignon – Napanook Vineyard
In Othello 2018, Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage, making up approximately 85% of the blend. This grape gives the wine its backbone: dark cassis and blackcurrant aromas, length, and the deep yet elegant structure so typical of Dominus.

Petit Verdot – Napanook Vineyard
Petit Verdot makes up a small but significant portion of the blend, at around 6%. This late-ripening Bordeaux grape adds color, tension, and a spicy note, with extra grip on the finish and a hint of floral and peppery nuance.

Cabernet Franc – Napanook Vineyard
Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend at around 9%. It adds refinement and aromatic complexity: think fresh red fruit, a hint of spice, and a light touch that beautifully balances the concentration of the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

Othello 2018 opens with bright aromas of cassis, wild raspberry, and ripe red fruit, complemented by subtle notes of bitter chocolate and peppery spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet remarkably supple, with a dense core of blackcurrant, crisp acidity, and silky tannins that make the glass both powerful and elegant. The influence of French oak lends nuances of cedar and a slightly smoky touch, beautifully integrated with the fruit.

At the table, Othello 2018 pairs beautifully with rich meat dishes such as grilled beef, beef or lamb stews, and mild game, as well as with hard, understated cheeses. Ideally, serve it at 16–18°C (62–64°F) and decant young bottles for an hour to allow the aromas to fully develop and the structure to develop beautifully.

Awards

• 2018 – 94 p (James Suckling)

• 2018 – 93 p (Falstaff) Falstaff

• 2018 – 96 p (Tastingbook) tastingbook.com