{"product_id":"clos-lointain-the-spectra-grenache-languedoc-roussillon-france-2023","title":"Clos Lointain, 'The Spectra,' Grenache, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2023 (TOP FIND)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe carry almost every wine Todd Alexander makes - he is a GENIUS and you should try them all! Holocene - Black Square - Clos Lointain - even a Chateauneuf du Pape that blows minds!\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eClos 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remote, peaceful place where time slows down, nature speaks clearly, and you are connected to something both grounded and timeless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have spent almost 20 years in the wine industry, and for the past 10, we have been in the Pacific Northwest, where we have helped to create what have become some of the most renowned brands in the region, such as Force Majeure, WeatherEye, and Cimento.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow working on two continents, we focus on crafting terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, and age-worthy, true reflections of place and time made through our own lens and perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe want our wines to be among the very best of their regions with each and every vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimultaneously working with various partners and projects to achieve shared visions, we have undertaken endeavors that are 100% our own. These include brands like Holocene, Beatus, The Black Square, and now, Clos Lointain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA chance encounter in 2022 lead us down a path of ultimately acquiring two amazing 60 to 80-year-old vineyards in the Roussillon region of southeastern France, not far from Spain, nestled along the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. These old vines are grown on hillsides in schist and slate soils, dry farmed and farmed organically. Varietals we grow include Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Carignan, and Macabeo. Our partners in the region are Jean-Roger and Marie Calvet of the stalwart winery Thunevin-Calvet in the village of Maury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClos Lointain would not be possible without their help in the vineyards and winery. They are part of the Clos Lointain family, and we are indebted to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe began making wine with the 2023 vintage and look forward to our first release in August 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTodd and Carrie Alexander\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape\/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e95% Grenache, 5% Grenache Gris\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLanguedoc-Roussillon, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIn the glass, it’s electric yet composed—aromas of wild strawberry, redcurrant, and blood orange lift from the glass, followed by subtle hints of white pepper, dried thyme, and crushed rock. The small addition of Grenache Gris adds aromatic lift and tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is focused, with precise acidity, supple tannins, and a lingering mineral note that echoes the stony soils from which it comes. There’s nothing heavy or overworked—just clarity, freshness, and pure vineyard expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfined, unfiltered, and made with minimal intervention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772809576753,"sku":null,"price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Clos_Lointain_The_Spectra_Grenache_Languedoc-Roussillon_France_2023_92384a5e-6c9f-45e1-ae7e-cfe9351e9fb0.jpg?v=1775410666","url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/products\/clos-lointain-the-spectra-grenache-languedoc-roussillon-france-2023","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}