Wine & Spirits Magazine: 94 Points “Here's the challenge of blind tasting. The 2006 Napanook, the wine from younger vines and lesser soils at the Dominus Estate, is transparent, its beauty easy to see. It may, in fact, be the best vintage of Napanook we've tasted on release-all black currants and peppercorn spice, lifted, savory, dark and intense. A great Napa wine for rack of lamb.”

Producer Notes: The 2006 vintage is deep crimson in color. Its nose is dense, complex and full of black cherry, fresh almonds and bitter chocolate notes. The entry is very full and velvety, enveloped with round, deep tannins. The finish lingers on with aromas of bramble berries, cigar tobacco and cocoa beans.

Vintage Summary: The 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 100°F on eight days, the vines had 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 favoured perfect ripening.

BLEND: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot
BEGINNING DATE OF HARVEST: September 29
FINAL DATE OF HARVEST: October 18
PERCENTAGE OF NEW BARRELS: 20%
BOTTLING DATE: June 2008
9-LITER CASES PRODUCED: 3500
RELEASE DATE: May 2009