The Green Heart City in Italy, also known as Umbria, is one of the smallest wine regions in the country. Quaint medieval villages and lush green hills surround the region. The fourth smallest wine region in Italy, the region produces almost a third of the wine that the Tuscany does and has been overshadowed by Marche, Latium, and Tuscany. With that being said, Ubrian wines are becoming much more respected and known around the world.
The history of Ubria’s wine making history started with the Benedictine monks they first started planting grape vines in the sandy and calcareous clay soil that the region is known for. The climate in the region is similar to Tuscany and enjoys dry and sunny summers, and cold and rainy winters with the exception being the area that surrounds Lake Trasimeno and Lake Bolsena, which is dominated by mild and Mediterranean microclimates.
A blend of four and sometimes five grapes, one of the best known Italian whites that is produced around Ubria is known as Trebbiano Toscana, Verdello, Grechetto, and Canaiolo Bianco, known also as Drupello, or Malvasia Toscana
Umbria is known around the globe as the land of the saints and includes San Benedetto, San Feliciano, San Fortunato, and San Francesco d’Assisi.
Pulled from a Gentleman's cellar, all wines from this cellar have been purchased by the owner either from the importer or direct from winery. They stayed in his cellar until being moved to the Timeless Wines warehouse.
I feel this wine expresses the greatness of California and its hidden pockets where Cabernet can excel. The cold Pacific Ocean running the entire length of the state presents maritime influences – and with each small distance eastward the climate warms. Stony soils, south facing slopes and moderately warm conditions are the keys to producing dark, rich and good tasting Cabernet.
A small release from Caymus Vineyards, this wine is a California-appellation Cabernet Sauvignon – supple, dark and rich, bearing the signature hallmarks of Caymus. It is sourced from sites throughout the state which feature climatic conditions, soils and topography that are ideally suited to Cabernet. This project stems from excitement over California's diverse vineyard land, often in lesser-known areas, with the potential to produce exceptional Cabernet.
Dominus Napa Valley Red Blend is made from 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot.
The historic Napanook Vineyard, a 124-acre site west of Yountville, was planted in 1838. This vineyard was the source of fruit for some of the finest Napa Valley wines. Estate-bottled in the spirit of the Bordeaux châteaux, Dominus Estate is dry-farmed to allow natural stress and good concentration of fruit. Grape clusters are crop-thinned to allow sun and air to pass in between, helping to achieve full maturation and soften the tannins. Only 20% to 40% new French oak barrels are used in order to limit the extraction of oak notes. To express the unique terroir, the classic Bordeaux grape varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted with different root stocks best suited for the varying soil composition of gravel, heavy clay and loam.
Reviews:
One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn't get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.
Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points