Introduction
Nestled in the hills of southern Oakville, Ulysses Vineyard lies at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains.
Compared to the grand and sprawling wineries of its neighbours in Oakville, Ulysses has a more understated feel. Being comprised of just a barn, farmhouse and water tower, the estate was formerly part of the Charles Hopper Ranch before being acquired by Christian Moueix in 2008. The vineyard sits on a mineral-rich alluvial fan at the foot of the Mayacamas mounts that provide ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tod Mostero, who was trained in Bordeaux, is responsible for all aspects of winemaking at both Dominus and Ulysses estates, with Dominus located just one mile south in Yountville. He shares Christian Moueix's belief that freshness and drinkability are essential qualities of great wine.
Corney & Barrow is proud to be the exclusive HK agent of Ulysses for private customers.
The Vineyards
Ulysses Vineyard is a 14-hectare plot located in Oakville to the west of Highway 29. The vineyard benefits from a distinctive microclimate with the Yountville hills acting as a buffer from the cooling influence of the San Pablo Bay. After Christian Moueix acquired the vineyard in 2008, a thorough analysis of the soil was conducted, followed by comprehensive vineyard restoration.
The vineyard's trellising system is based on the lyre system used at Dominus, which involves training the vines to grow in a V-shape. This creates a high canopy that shields the fruit zones from direct sunlight, while fanned cross-arms at the top of the canopy provide additional sun protection. The narrow rows between the vines also help control the vines’ natural vigour and encourages competition for nutrients.
A fundamental practice at Ulysses is dry farming. With no irrigation, the vines’ roots grow deep into the soil in their search for moisture which increases their resistance to drought. The soil composition of Ulysses Vineyard is mostly deep gravel and clay loam, which is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet makes up the majority of the vineyard's plantings, with the remainder being comprised of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
New clonal material has also been introduced from top châteaux in Bordeaux, with the aim of producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Ulysses Vineyard. The focus is on crafting elegant, balanced, and complex wines that showcase the vineyard's exceptional qualities.
THE GROWING SEASON
The 2019 vintage was characterized by heavy rains in winter and spring, with a total of 135cm of rain compared to an historical average of 79cm.
A year of contrasts, a warm January was followed by the coldest February since 1998. April was the second warmest April on record after 2013, but May (during bloom) was particularly rainy and cold.
The first heat wave of the season was on June 10th and 11th reaching 38°C which represented a violent change of temperature after the very cold month of May. With soils saturated and warm temperatures, shoot growth was exuberant.
The summer was warm with several heat spikes and high temperatures exceeding the historical average from June to September.
THE WINE
ULYSSES 2019
In 2019 Ulysses shows not just power but finesse. As one would expect, there is an aromatic core of deliciously ripe black fruit, but behind there are notes of redcurrants, a little truffle and a beguiling florality that adds fantastic lift. The palate is defined by freshness, fine tannins and impressive drive and persistence. This will gain even more mid palate density with age. Lovely wine.
Corney & Barrow Score 18+
Recommended drinking from 2025 - 2033
£795/CASE OF 6 BOTTLES, IN BOND UK
£285/CASE OF 1 MAGNUM, IN BOND UK