$282-$282
Prices
2020-2020
Vintages
0
Sales
0
Owners
About
Dominus is a Latin term that translates to "master" or "lord." It has been used in various contexts, including feudal and ecclesiastical law, where it referred to a lord or feudal superior. In the Roman Empire, it was used as a title of sovereignty, although its use was initially discouraged and later adopted under Diocletian. The term is also associated with academic and ecclesiastical titles, such as a parson or a professor. Its feminine form, Domina, was used for noble ladies holding a barony in their own right. The title remains significant in modern English, particularly in academic and honorific contexts.
History
The term "Dominus" originates from Latin, meaning "master" or "owner." In ancient Rome, it was used to address slaves and later became an official title for the emperor, starting with Diocletian in AD 284. The title was initially discouraged by Augustus and Tiberius but gained acceptance under Domitian, who encouraged its use. It became a standard imperial title under Diocletian, forming part of the emperor's official titulature and marking the beginning of the Dominate period in Roman history.
In modern times, "Dominus" is also used in the context of a California wine estate. Dominus Estate, located in Yountville, Napa Valley, was established in 1983 by Christian Moueix. The vineyard's history dates back to 1838 when George Yount planted the first grapevines. The estate has undergone various ownership changes, including being owned by John Daniel Jr. and his daughters Robin Lail and Marcia Smith before Moueix took sole ownership in 1995. The vineyard produces Bordeaux-style blends, with a focus on quality and terroir-driven wines[3][4].
Terroir
The terroir of Dominus Estate is deeply rooted in the unique geology and climate of Napa Valley. The vineyard, located at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, is situated on an alluvial fan formed by fast-running water from the mountains over hundreds of years. This alluvial fan brings silt, sand, clay, and other soil components, creating a diverse range of soils that contribute to the terroir. Deep beneath the fan lies a hard pan, akin to concrete, which prevents water from passing through, while above it are underground streams that provide moisture to the soils and vines throughout the growing season.
The dry farming practices at Dominus allow the vines to draw deeply on this land's unique geology, enhancing the expression of terroir. The vineyard's gravelly clay loam soils gently slope, ensuring natural drainage and further influencing the terroir. The combination of these factors—soil, climate, topography, annual weather, and human management—results in wines that are pure, balanced, and complex, reflecting the singular site of Napanook Vineyard. This terroir is further enhanced by the estate's commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices, which preserve the natural character of the fruit and contribute to the wines' exceptional aging potential[1][4][5].