Domaine des Bernardins - Beaumes-de-Venise 2024 (sec)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The estate owes its name to the Bernardine monks who once owned it. The Castaud family has been running it for five generations; the vineyards (23 hectares, mostly white grape varieties) are planted on the southern slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in a magnificent landscape. It is unfortunate that the estate is one of the last defenders of Muscat, even though it produces a very high-quality wine here.

Decanter

About the wine:

It has a pleasant nose that combines herbal aromas—notably bay leaf and oregano—with notes of pine needles and juicy Damascus plums. It is full-bodied on the palate without being heavy, lively, and fresh. Very enjoyable to drink, fresh and complex, with remarkable length. Perfectly balanced, it comes highly recommended. One of their best vintages to date and one of the most interesting wines from the Rhône Valley. Grown on sandy soils, it is fermented and aged in concrete tanks without destemming.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This estate embraces a traditional approach to winemaking, eschewing excessive technology and modernism. It’s no surprise that the small-berried Muscat grapes yield a nectar with an unparalleled texture and a richness of sweetness rivaling that of the greatest Sauternes. The Domaine des Bernardins, renowned for the quality of its magnificent Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, also produces a lovely red wine with a strong personality that delights us. Romain Hall has been making wine with his father since 2007. While red wine accounts for 30% of production, it has always been part of the lineup, with the oldest recorded vintage dating back to 1847. The estate vinifies using whole clusters of black grapes, to which 10% white grapes are added during blending. The latter plays an important role by adding richness, according to Romain. The wines are highly aromatic, and while they used to be a bit fiery in their youth, the latest vintages are far more refined, precise, and possess a masterful grace, always capable of beautiful aging over time. Above all, this estate produces stunning Muscats, which are a delight to drink even in their youth. But with age—ten, twenty years, and beyond—they acquire incredible complexity.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

An astonishing, highly expressive nose, with aromas of red and black fruits, pepper, cloves, and herbaceous notes. The palate is ripe and offers good fruit concentration, with notes of herbs, pepper, cloves, and meat. Powerful and sophisticated at the same time. A refreshing hint of eucalyptus on the finish adds a touch of freshness. Excellent.