Ulysses Wine

Ulysses Vineyard is the second Napa Valley wine estate to join the Moueix portfolio, which contains the likes of Petrus, Dominus Estate, and Chateau Trotanoy. Nestled on Oakville's southern edge next to To Kalon vineyard and Vine Hill Ranch, Ulysses Vineyard has quickly found Napa prestige with its refined, luscious, and structured Cabernets.

Ulysses Wine: Historic Oakville Property 

Christian Mouiex acquired Ulysses Vineyard in 2008, becoming his second Napa Valley project after Dominus Estate. The 31.5-acre vineyard, formerly known as Schmidt Ranch, dates back to 1873, when Napa pioneer Charles Hopper cultivated the land. As part of his famed Missouri Hopper Ranch vineyard, the land's gravelly, clay loam soils provided the perfect conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Eventually, small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot were planted and still contribute to Ulysses wine today. 

The property underwent extensive renovations after Moueix's purchase, which included adapting a 'double-double Guyot' trellising system to increase yields and improve space efficiency. Additionally, high vine densities and narrower rows were pinpointed as necessary upgrades to the vineyard. Once the replanting project was complete, Ulysses Vineyard was transformed into one of Oakville's top sites, competing with the neighboring To Kalon Vineyard, Vine Hill Ranch, Missouri Hopper Ranch, and Martha's Vineyard.

Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon: Top Napa Wine

Nearly 90% of Ulysses Vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remaining 10% evenly distributed between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The winemaking team, led by Tod Mostero, adapts a low-intervention approach and sustainable farming, gaining a CCOF certification in 2021. Mostero brings his expertise from his time working alongside Baron Philippe de Rothschild and his studies at Chateau Haut-Brion and Domaine Romanée-Conti to create immaculate Cabernet-dominant wines. 

Ulysses Cabernet: Vinification and Tasting Notes

To guard against Napa's infamous rust, the team rinses the grapes on the vineyard before the rigorous sorting process. The grapes are then transported to the quaint cellar and given a gentle pump-over and extraction, then barrel-aged in 40% new French oak for 20 years and bottle-aged for up to 5 years. The resulting wine is marked by fine-grained tannins, exceptional depth, a ripe-fruit profile, and hints of spice and savory herbs on the nose. Famed critic Robert Parker describes Ulysses wine as "a Napa version of a first or second growth Pauillac," while Decanter Magazine has exalted similar praise, stating the bottles "exude a Margaux-like purity."

Less than 1,000 cases are produced each vintage, making Ulysess Cabernet a hot commodity for Napa lovers. With each passing year, Ulysses Cabernet has also gained a more respected reputation, with the most recent release, 2018 Ulysses Cabernet, becoming the estate's most acclaimed bottle yet. When reviewing the bottle, Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media wrote, "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix's Oakville ranch so far," underscoring the bottle's freshness, finesse, and elegant finish. 

Ulysses Napa Valley: Add This Special Cabernet To Your Cellar

In less than two decades, Christian Moueix has catapulted Ulysses Vineyard into one of Napa Valley's most compelling estates. With expert winemaking from Tod Mostero and a prime Oakville terroir, Ulysses Cabernet is a special bottle for any cellar. Browse through our collection and grab a bottle today.