In writer Patrick Comiskey’s latest series post, highlighting coastal Monterey, Domaine Messier is spotlighted as a promising project and select wines are reviewed.
“Along with Paul Family, the newest entry to the Carmel Coast is Domaine Messier, founded by French-Canadian Luc Messier and guided by long-time local winemaker Greg Vita. They also have, as a consultant, Étienne Grivot of Domaine Jean Grivot in Vosne-Romanée, whom Messier has known through Grivot’s connections in Ontario. They’ve planted 20 acres (8 ha) of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and early efforts seem very promising. Altogether, it’s an excellent pedigree for a start-up, and for making a splash in an AVA-to-be.” – Patrick Comiskey, JancisRobinson.com
A full list of reviews of select wines from the 2023 and 2024 vintages are below.
Domaine Messier, Myriade Chardonnay 2024 Monterey
17/20
Reminiscent of good Chardonnay from the Mâcon, this is crisp and minerally at the outset, with appley acids the prevailing impression. It became leaner still and more elegant in the glass as the days passed, the flavour takes on a lemon-lime tinge, with a freshness and saline tension that frames the lightness of texture. It’s young, but has the structure for ageing well. (PC) – JancisRobinson.com
Alcohol: 13.8%
Drink: 2026 – 2036
Domaine Messier, Nuée Chardonnay 2024 Monterey
17.5 /20
Slightly broader and richer than its counterpart Myriade, this has a scent of lemon zest and a whiff of fine clay dust when poured. Citrus flavours, with a siltiness of texture that provides an ample, broad frame for sweet lime flavours. It needs time but is well built for ageing. (PC) – JancisRobinson.com
Alcohol: 13.8%
Drink: 2026 – 2036
Domaine Messier, Verseau Pinot Noir 2024 Monterey
17 /20
The Messier team splits the fruit and gives over half to Étienne Grivot; the rest is made by Greg and Chris Vita. Thus, one ‘French’ and one ‘American’ bottling. The Verseau bottling is the American version.
Sanguine and a bit toasty when first poured, this feels youthful and a bit sweet initially, with a generous, supple palate. In its youth, there’s neither a lot of tension or complexity, but it is a good drink. Cellar to see how it knits. (PC) – JancisRobinson.com
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: 2026 – 2034
Domaine Messier, Sagittaire Pinot Noir 2023 Monterey
17.5 /20
The portion of the estate’s Pinot vinified by Étienne Grivot (cf the Verseau cuvée, made by Greg and Chris Vita).
A year in the bottle, and some extra time in barrel have made this wine more suave, more elegant and more reserved. Aromas are savoury … perhaps Grivot’s handiwork, with a come-hither scent of peppercorn and black tea, velvety dark fruit, reserved and mellow, with a chalk-lined firmness on the finish. (PC) – JancisRobinson.com
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: 2026 – 2037
