Clos Lointain (pronounced cloh lwan-tahn) translates to “Distant Enclosure” or “Faraway Vineyard.” It suggests a quiet, hidden place—tucked away from the noise of the world—where something special is grown with care. In wine terms, a “clos” is a walled vineyard, traditionally protected and set apart. “Lointain” evokes distance, mystery, and the sense of a far-off land you dream about.
The wines from this house are set on ancient schist soils. It was back in 2022 that Todd and Carrie Alexander acquired two 60 to 80-year-old vineyards in the Roussillon region of southeastern France.These dry-farmed vineyards are set in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. These old vines are grown on hillsides in schist and slate soils, dry farmed and farmed organically. They are currently growing Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Carignan, and Macabeo at these sites. Regional partners are Jean-Roger and Marie Calvet of Thunevin-Calvet in the village of Maury.
The wines were utterly sensational. There is something so wild and imaginative in the wines, as a range of herbs grow amongst the vines including thyme and sage. Garrigue flows through the veins of these beauties. The best wine I tasted was the otherworldly 2023 Clos Lointain ‘The Specta’ Grenache (OB, 98) which is an ultra-pure expression of red fruits with a velvety texture and brilliant flavor range. This is amongst the finest Grenache that I have ever tasted from this region. I think that if you tasted Clos de Papes alongside this wine, both bottlings would stand neck and neck. Try it for yourself. . . I think you are going to be immensely impressed with these wines. Learn more at https://www.closlointain.com/ and here are my reviews of the inaugural Clos Lointain wines.
2023 Clos Lointain ‘Meditations’ White Wine- The 2023 ‘Meditations’ is a stunning new white wine made from Grenache Gris and Macabeo grapes sourced from the La Coumo Estate Vineyard in the Catalan foothills. This shows incredibly complex aromatics with banana and salted peach alongside toasted hazelnuts and shades of pie crust on the nose. The palate is elegant and refined with serious tension and weight alongside salty nuances. Drink 2025-2035- 96
2023 Clos Lointain ‘The Spectra’ Grenache- The fabulous 2023 Clos Lointain ‘The Spectra’ Grenache comes from their La Coumo Estate Vineyard, where 70–90-year-old vines that are set on fractured black schist in the Catalan hills. This was all de-stemmed and come from a north facing slope, with 5% Grenache Gris blended in. Ultra-pure red fruits combine with shades of Mandarin orange rind, garrigue and suggestions of scorched earth. The palate is powerful and intense with serious tension, weight and texture. This is loaded with mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied, heady and intense, this is a totally stunning wine that will rival any top CDP. Drink 2025-2039- 98
2023 Clos Lointain ‘The Signal’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘The Signal’ combines 92% Grenache and equal parts Macabeo and Grenache Gris. The wine comes from 60 and 80 years old vines on a south-facing slope as this was stored for 14 months in neutral French oak before bottling. This saw partial whole cluster fermentation. Dense red and dark fruits mark the nose alongside beautiful red florals and fresh sage. The palate is silky and refined with serious texture and weight. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2039- 96