Clos Lointain, 'The Spectra,' Grenache, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
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.

A remote, peaceful place where time slows down, nature speaks clearly, and you are connected to something both grounded and timeless.

We 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.

Now 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.

We want our wines to be among the very best of their regions with each and every vintage.

Simultaneously 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.

A 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.

Clos 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.

We began making wine with the 2023 vintage and look forward to our first release in August 2025.

Winemakers
Todd and Carrie Alexander

Grape/ Blend
95% Grenache, 5% Grenache Gris

Origin
Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
In 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.

The 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.

Unfined, unfiltered, and made with minimal intervention.

98 Points - Owen Bargreen
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

Product size: 750ml