Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Bright, with ripe, vivid red berry and black cherry flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, turning delicate and elegant while displaying depth and persistence, firming nicely on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Facets is showing even better than it did from barrel last year. A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and the rest tiny quantities of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc (similar to many Medocs), it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as abundant aromas of sweet white chocolate, black cherries, tobacco leaf, cassis and hints of earth and smoke.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
One of Napa Valley's most historic sub-appellations, Yountville spreads through some of the valley's ideal cooler sites and enjoys success with a handful of different and significant grape varieties.
Syrah competes strongly with Cabernet Sauvignon here for optimal vineyard real estate followed by Pinot noir, Pinot blanc and Sauvignon blanc.
This sub-AVA of Napa Valley is rich in the history that makes Napa Valley what it is today, and not just for red wines. Moët & Chandon entered the California winemaking business via Yountville in 1973 with the establishment Domaine Chandon. Their goal has always been to produce top quality méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
Christian Moueix, originally responsible for managing Chateau Petrus and La Fleur-Petrus in Pomerol, arrived in Yountville in the early 1980s. He formed a partnership with Rohin Lail and Marcia Smith, inheritors of Napanook vineyard from their father John Daniel of Inglenook in Rutherford. In 1995 Moueix became sole owner of Napanook and chose the name Dominus, which today produces some of Napa’s highest scoring, age-worthy Bordeaux Blends.