Decanter | D 99
Published: May 7, 2024
Drink: 2024-2050

Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Medium
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 5% Cabernet Franc 90% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Petit Verdot

Jamessuckling.com | JS 98
Published: Feb 3, 2022

Aromas of terra cotta, chocolate and hazelnut with iron and ink. Dusty. Full-bodied and round. Layered. Flamboyant and juicy. Rather soft and gorgeous. Some walnut and chocolate at the end. Persistent. Always there. Drinkable now, but will age wonderfully.

The Wine Advocate | RP 96
Published: May 31, 2022
Drink: 2025-2045

The current-release 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows more cherries and bay leaf on the nose than prior vintages. There's still a solid framework of cedar, loam and cassis, hints of mocha and licorice, but there's also a bit more freshness and lift. It's medium to full-bodied and densely concentrated yet silky and finessed, with a long, elegant finish.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17.5+
Published: Jun 28, 2023
Drink: 2024-2033

Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. See the Ulysses vertical below. Christian Moueix’s second vineyard after Dominus, just over the border from Yountville. Edouard Moueix explained that his father studied at UC Davis in 1968 and 1969. In 1983 ‘he had the chance to invest in Napanook [which became Dominus] one mile south of Ulysses. In 2008 he was able to buy this parcel from Swanson.’ The first vintage was not until 2012 because considerable replanting was needed. Dry farmed, as at Dominus, so a different, much deeper, root system from irrigated vineyards evolves. ‘The first few vintages were therefore unrepresentative.’ It’s a 40-acre estate on gravel with a little clay-loam. In charge is Tod Mostero, whose aim is to express freshness. The estate is organic (‘which is much easier than in Bordeaux!’ according to Moueix). 50% new oak. Early draining of tanks to get elements from the skins but not seeds. Yields are 2.5–3 tons/acre and 1,300 cases are made.
Quite a complex nose. Distinctive and much drier than most other Oakville Cabs. Sappy and the most digestible of the wines. Drier even than Opus One! Needs time. 

Ulyssesvineyard.com

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

The wine, estate bottled, calls to mind “authenticity, purity and radiance.”

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

Our first vintage, Ulysses 2012, is a finely sculpted wine with elegance and lift.