THE STORY
My good friend and American Wine Society Monterey Chapter partner and I stopped in at Domaine Messier for my first taste of their elegant wines.We walked into a celestial showcase – so pretty, with artwork of 18th century astronomer Charles Messier’s findings. You immediately know there is something special about this place.
The wines simply floored me. Their chardonnay and pinot noir wines are exquisite. And Gladys, our server, was engaging and knowledgeable, adding to our experience. She generated excitement about our chapter’s upcoming trip to their vineyard.
This is my first presentation of Domaine Messier wines in Decanting Monterey.
THE WINERY
About Domaine Messier from their website:
“Domaine Messier was born from Luc Messier, whose passion for farming came from his grandfather, Joseph, who was a farmer; and Julie Fette, whose love for California took the project to Carmel. Together, they acquired the property in 2018 with nothing on it but a vision for the future. The Domaine Messier vineyard is entirely off-grid and operates on solar power and well water. 20.5 acres of Pinot noir and Chardonnay vines were planted. Additionally, 500 olive trees now grow on the property in Ascolana, Aglandau, Picholine, Itrana, and Bouteillan varieties. Olive oil production will begin in 2026.”
Domaine Messier is one of a handful of wineries that fall into the proposed Carmel Coast AVA – you can read more about that in this Wine Enthusiast article: Is the Carmel Coast California’s Next Pinot Noir Star?
THE WINES
I have 5 Domaine Messier wines to present to you today. Winery notes come from their website or tasting sheet unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2022 Domaine Messier Brut Sparkling Wine 12.5% ABV, Monterey County, $88 (#1768)
Winery Notes: “A pale yellow hue in the glass with a persistent bead. This sparkling treads the ever elusive line of complexity and freshness. Subtle fruit aromas of meyer lemon and red apple are accented by a touch of fresh baked brioche. On the palate, this wine is focused with notes of citrus emphasized by bright crisp acidity. The mousse is fine and supple but persistent throughout. This wine drinks well upon release but will continue to evolve in complexity upon cellaring.”
My Review: Golden with a slightly tan pigment in the glass. Brioche, peach, and a touch of Meyer lemon on the nose. Fine bubbles and crisp apple on the palate. June 2026
2023 Domaine Messier Rosé, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $38 (#1769)
Winery Notes: “The Domaine Messier 2023 Rosé de Pinot Noir gives a bouquet of ripe, wild strawberry and tropical fruits. The palate shows finesse and precision with ripe red fruits and crisp acidity.”
My Review: Light copper in color and slightly viscous in the glass. Peach nectar and floral scents on the nose. The sweet is wrapped in the tart on the palate with melon notes on the finish. June 2026
2023 Domaine Messier Chardonnay, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $58 (#1770)
Winery Notes: “The 2023 Domaine Messier Chardonnay gives aromas of fresh citrus with an underlying note of passion fruit and guava. The bouquet is well accented by a touch of vanilla and clove from French oak barrels. The palate matches the nose with flavors of lemon and fresh apricot. This wine carries the signature structure and acidity unique to its coastal terroir.”
My Review: Golden with a touch of wheat in the glass. Buttery nose. Huge palate jammed with lemon, orange and grilled pineapple. A slight grassiness on the hefty palate. Complexity and elegance in this well constructed wine. I took one home. June 2026
2022 Domaine Messier Cuvée du Nouveau Monde Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $88 (#1771)
Winery Notes: “The 2022 Cuvée du Nouveau Monde shows brightly in the glass and gives fresh raspberry and spice aromas complimented by gentle notes of new oak. On the palate, this wine carries bright red fruit and quenching acidity with gentle tannins that give length and poise.”
My Review: Very dark ruby in the glass. Crushed fresh dark berries and cedar on the nose, carrying over to the palate. If there is a hint of earthiness, it is quickly taken over by the deliciousness. I took one home. June 2026
2022 Domaine Messier Cuvée Sagittaire Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $88 (#1772)
Winery Notes: “The 2022 Cuvée Sagittaire shows a dense purple red in the glass alluding to its notable structure and intensity. On the nose this wine gives spicy blue and black fruit aromas with an intriguing underlying earthiness. On the palate this wine is notably structured and textured with substantial, firm tannins surrounded by flavors of crushed blackberry and raspberry. The weight and structure of this wine suggest it will age very well over years to come.”
My Review: Beautiful ruby, almost garnet in the glass. Mellow nose of dark fruit. An earthier palate made in more of a Burgundian style. June 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
“Our tasting room in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a tasting flight of our coastal terroir Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a bespoke and welcoming setting. Dolores St between Ocean & 7th Avenues, inside Winfield Gallery Hours: Daily, 12pm to 6pm”
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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