Beatus began with a dream and a friendship. Our dream was to make wine in Châteauneuf du Pape, one of the first regions to inspire the desire to pursue winemaking in general, and of working with Grenache in particular.
We developed a long-standing friendship with Anne-Charlotte Melia-Bachas, Proprietor of Chateau de la Font du Loup, who approached us with the idea to craft a wine together a number of years ago.
This has all come to fruition with Beatus, a wine that we have decided to make ongoing, every year — since tasting the exciting results of the first vintage in barrel.
The vineyard parcel selected for this wine is a single plot of 80-year old Grenache at the top of La Crau in Châteauneuf du Pape, the highest location in the AOC. It sits on a north-facing slope that helps guard against the sometimes intense summer heat that can affect the surrounding areas.
This plot is called “Le Poteau” and has been generously granted to us by Anne-Charlotte as the core of this wine, with supplementation of Syrah and Mourvèdre from surrounding parcels also grown on the Chateau de la Font du Loup estate, to round out the blend.
The winemaking is directed by myself and carried out by Anne-Charlotte, Stéphane Dupuy d’Angeac and their team. It is our hope to bring you one of the finest expressions of Grenache from this special region each and every vintage.
Yields from this block are very small due to the age of the vines, therefore only up to 100 cases of Beatus will be produced each year, depending on the conditions of the vintage.
Our first release was in November of 2022.
– Winemaker Todd Alexander
Review:
Made in collaboration with Chateau de la Font Du Loup, the 2020 Beatus is an extraordinary bottling that rivals some of the top wines of this region. The nose is hugely perfumed with red rose petals, potpourri, sage and shades of red currants. The palate displays the same level of concentration as it does on the bouquet. Beautiful guava and ripe strawberry fruits parade with copious minerals and a sinfully good texture on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, this is just sensational stuff to enjoy in its heady youth.
Owen Bargreen 97 Points
Dominus Napa Valley Christian Moueix Red Blend is made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot.
Dominus Estate is the Napa Valley property of Bordeaux producer Christian Moueix. The wine is bottled from the historic Napanook Vineyard. Located at the foothills of the Mayacamas, the vineyard was planted in 1838 and continues to evolve under the stewardship of Christian Moueix. The estate's Bordeaux varietals benefit from the Yountville microclimate where temperatures are moderated by cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The resulting wine is a uniquely refined expression of this special terroir. The 2023 vintage is seductive and deep with notes of cedar, oriental spices, wild berry, and cocoa, followed by a finely etched finish.
Reviews:
Black currant, pencil shaving, subtle sandalwood, wet earth, forest floor and violet aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with ultra-fine tannins that integrate perfectly at the end. A polished and caressing texture that goes on for minutes. The balance and drinkability of this Dominus is terrific, and it will age beautifully. A blend of 87% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully.
James Suckling 99 Points