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

The estate owes its name to the Bernardine monks, who were the first to cultivate these hillsides overlooking the southern part of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Owned by the Castaud family for five generations, the estate spans 23 hectares in a remarkable location, the majority of which are planted with white grape varieties. A historic landmark in Beaumes-de-Venise, it excels in expressing Muscat, both as a naturally sweet wine and as a still wine. Under the leadership of Romain Hall, the wines have reached a new milestone: the whites captivate with their precision, brilliance, and finesse, while the reds gain depth and definition with each passing year. Faithful to its heritage while looking resolutely toward the future, this estate remains one of the defining names of the southern Rhône Valley.

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.

Located in Beaumes-de-Venise, the Domaine des Bernardins produces magnificent naturally sweet wines—rich Muscats with a brandy component that is always beautifully integrated. With age, these wines, meant for cellaring, develop a truly breathtaking complexity. Romain Hall, who joined the estate in 2007, works closely with his father: he uses traditional winemaking methods, without destemming, and ages the wine in cement tanks. He has introduced a greater degree of softness in the extraction process, while co-fermenting Grenache—which makes up 90% of the Côtes-du-Rhône blend—with Syrah. As for his Beaumes-de-Venise, it stands out as one of the appellation’s finest examples.

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 yet sophisticated. A refreshing hint of eucalyptus on the finish adds a touch of freshness. Excellent.