Ulysses - Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Ulysses vineyard was acquired in 2008 by Christian Moueix. Situated along Napa Valley’s Oakville bench and extending over an alluvial fan at the foot of the Mayacamas Range, the site was once part of the famed Charles Hopper ranch and it is exceptional for winegrowing.

The soil is composed of deep, gravelly, clay loam and is particularly well-suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

Since the acquisition, Christian Moueix and his team have pursued an in-depth understanding of the soil and microclimate and have undertaken a lengthy and meticulous vineyard restoration.

Dry farming, the foundation of Ulysses’ sustainable farming practices, enhances root depth and resistance to drought, resulting in a wine that is a pure expression of terroir.

The winemaking team’s intention is to produce a wine reflecting the exceptional potential and individuality of the Ulysses vineyard. The approach is minimalist, with attentive observation and restrained intervention. Harvested at perfect ripeness with the utmost care, the grapes undergo both cluster and berry selection before a gentle vinification and aging.

Ulysses is a distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It should be decanted prior to serving.

In 2021, Ulysses received its CCOF ("California Certified Organic Farmers") certification for organic farming practices. 

Manual harvest: sunny side of the vines picked a few days before the shady side, manual and optical sorting. Gentle pump-overs and extraction in French oak barrels.

“Subtle aromas of crushed berries and tile. Mushrooms. Almost dusty. Full to medium body, powdery tannins and mouthfeel. Bright acidity that gives the wine beautiful and enticing freshness. Gentle and ethereal red. The first vintage of the new wine from the owners of Dominus. The vineyard is located in Oakville near Vine Hill. Drink or hold.” - 97 Points, James Suckling

“A striking bouquet of briary blackberry, wild plum, dark soil and warm spices is followed by a sappy, juicy wine underpinned by fine tannins and fresh acidity. There is palpable energy to this outstanding debut vintage of Ulysses, Christian Mouiex's new project in southwest Oakville.” - 94 Points, Decanter

"The 2012 Ulysses (800 cases) is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest other Bordeaux varietals. A structured, dense purple wine that displays plenty of cedar wood, crème de cassis, licorice and graphite, the wine is full-bodied, rich, backward and dense, but beautifully pure fruit and an almost Pontet-Canet-like purity and density are hallmarks of this brilliant wine. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink it over the following 20-25.” - 93 Points, Wine Advocate

Producer: Ulysses

Country: USA

Region: California

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: Napa Valley

Vintage: 2012

Size: 750ml