Ulysses 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Dominus owner Christian Moueix had always been intrigued by the potential of southern Oakville’s terroirs, so when the Schmidt Ranch came onto the market in 2008, he jumped at the chance to acquire it.The property, renamed Ulysses, sits on an alluvial fan, revealing similar soils to the better-drained western part of Dominus’ Napanook vineyard. But climactically the site is very different. Here, the cooling influence of the San Pablo Bay is mitigated by the Yountville hills, so summer temperatures at Ulysses can be as much as four degrees Fahrenheit warmer.  Upon acquiring the property, an extensive programme of replanting began, informed by over 30 years’ experience at Dominus.