Ulysses Vineyard

"Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vines planted in the Oakville appellation, not very far from Dominus. The vineyards for Ulysses are located just north of the famous Napanook vineyards used by Dominus and west of Highway 29. The 31.5 acres of vines are planted in the Autres Rivages, which is next to the well-known vineyards of Missouri Hopper Ranch and Vine Hill Ranch on one side and the famous To Kalon vineyards on its other side. The vineyard that is now used to produce Ulysses was previously known as Schmidt Ranch. Schmidt Ranch took its name from the previous owners that purchased the vineyard just before the depression in the 1920’s. However, the vineyard has an even longer history in the region as it was first cultivated in 1873 by Charles Hopper. In fact, it was originally part of the famous Missouri Hopper Ranch vineyard. Prior to Christian Moueix purchasing the vineyard, the previous owners of Schmidt Ranch sold their grapes to Swanson." – Jeff Leve (Read more at: https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/california-wine/ulysses-estate-napa-valley-california-cabernet-sauvignon-wine)

ULYSSES is a result of Christian Mouiex's ongoing quest to explore the unique character and quality of an exceptional terroir and to translate its specificity in a wine. His is a journey that began in Bordeaux and continues today in the Napa Valley.

Son of the famed Bordeaux wine merchant Jean-Pierre Moueix, Christian was born in Libourne, France. Having studied viticulture at University of California, Davis, his career has been notable by his introducing numerous vineyard practices, once considered revolutionary and now widely employed by most top chateaux. Today, along with Dominus Estate and Ulysses Vineyard in Napa Valley, he and his son, Edouard, produce wine from eight family chateaux in Pomerol and Saint Emilion.

Christian is driven by his zealous pursuit of perfection and his belief in stewardship. His 45-year career has earned him recognition as one of wine’s great visionaries. With deep interests in history, art and literature, Christian interprets the classic tale of Ulysses’ voyage as an epic journey and a lesson in humility. The story evokes commitment, passion and the passage of time, all elements essential to our understanding of a vineyard and its potential to produce great wines.

ULYSSES VINEYARD, ONCE PART OF THE CHARLES HOPPER RANCH, WAS ACQUIRED IN 2008 BY CHRISTIAN MOUEIX.

Along the Napa Valley’s Oakville bench and extending over an alluvial fan at the foot of the Mayacamas Range, the site is exceptional for grape growing.

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 its terroir.

“TO STRIVE, TO SEEK, TO FIND, AND NOT TO YIELD.” — ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON. ULYSSES

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.