Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 is a poised and powerful Napa Valley red that leans distinctly toward a classic left-bank Bordeaux style. Crafted by Christian Moueix, the legendary mind behind Dominus and Pétrus, this wine marries the depth and richness of Napa fruit with the structure and finesse of Pauillac and St-Julien. Aged 17 months in French oak (45% new), it is built for both early pleasure and long-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2014 Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon shows a deep, opaque purple core with a narrow ruby rim, signaling both concentration and youth. The nose is highly expressive and refined, offering layers of crème de cassis, blackcurrant and black raspberry framed by notes of sweet cedar, unsmoked cigar tobacco, graphite, and a touch of dark florals and spice. Subtle oak tones—vanilla pod, cocoa and toasted spice—sit in perfect balance with the fruit. On the palate, this is full-bodied and structured yet wonderfully composed, with ripe but firm tannins and a vibrant, classical spine of acidity. Flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum are interwoven with hints of pencil shavings, tobacco leaf, licorice and crushed stone, giving it a distinctly Médoc-like profile despite its Napa origins. The finish is long, savory and persistent, suggesting a wine that will evolve beautifully over time. While already approachable with a proper decant, it is still at an early stage of its journey; expect it to hit a sweet spot about 3–5 years from vintage and to continue developing complexity for 25–30 years.

Production
The Ulysses vineyard lies on the western side of Napa Valley, in the valley floor at the base of the Mayacamas range, where well-drained alluvial and gravelly soils naturally limit vigor and favor small, intensely flavored berries. The climate in 2014 saw slightly warmer-than-average summer temperatures with only modest heat spikes in June and July, followed by a trouble-free August and September, allowing for even, unhurried ripening. Grapes—92% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot—are harvested by hand, parcel by parcel, at optimal maturity. In the cellar, fruit is carefully sorted, then vinified with a focus on purity and precision, followed by 17 months of maturation in French oak barrels, 45% of which are new. The use of high-quality, predominantly new oak enhances structure and complexity without overwhelming the wine’s natural character.

Food & Serving
This 2014 Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural partner for richly flavored, savory dishes. Think dry-aged ribeye with herb butter, roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, beef Wellington, or slow-braised short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, truffle-infused dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté, aged Gouda, or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. For current drinking, decant for 1.5–2 hours to soften the tannins and allow the bouquet to fully open; as it matures in bottle, a shorter decant of about 45–60 minutes will generally be sufficient.

Producer
Ulysses is a Napa Valley project from Christian Moueix, one of the most respected figures in the wine world, renowned for his stewardship of iconic estates such as Château Pétrus in Pomerol and Dominus Estate in Yountville. Drawn to sites that combine distinguished terroir with the potential for classical balance, Moueix acquired the Ulysses vineyard on Napa’s western side to craft a Cabernet that speaks with clarity of place and restraint. Since its inception, Ulysses has quickly earned a reputation among collectors and critics for delivering Napa Cabernet of great depth, precision and longevity, echoing the structure and elegance of the great wines of Bordeaux while remaining firmly rooted in Napa’s unique landscape.

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