San Francisco Chronicle – Lynne Char Bennett – November 14, 2008

DOMINUS 2005
3 stars (Excellent)

“The project from Chateau Petrus owner Christian Moueix yielded a more subdued, nuanced profile in this banner vintage. Radiant Cabernet aromas of tobacco and a lifted graphite tone mix with dusty plum, very much in a Bordeaux left bank mode. The palate is still wound up and young – and the structure is profound – but brightness and potential course through, hinting at more than a decade of improvement if you age it.”

NAPANOOK 2005
2.5 stars (Excellent)

“Christian Moueix intends for this wine – the just-released 10th vintage made from Napanook Vineyard grapes – to be enjoyed in the near term. High-toned chamomile, black raspberry, cedar, toasted sesame seed, slight brioche and mint chocolate aromas. Medium-bodied palate with bright huckleberry and dark plum skin on the lengthy finish; slightly firm tannins.”