Where Medieval heritage meets
a modern expression of Tannat
When Michael Dee took over Domaine Vialer, he became custodian of this historic estate’s noble past. Among the papers tucked away in an old box was a weathered wine label from the archives.
Inspired, he began replanting the vineyard exclusively with Tannat — the iconic grape of the Madiran region — on a small, southeast-facing plot perched high on the hillside with sweeping views over the market town of Lembeye.
This sunlit parcel, carefully tended through the heat of summer, yields grapes that are hand-harvested in mid-Autumn to produce a rich, deeply coloured Tannat … a wine first shared around the family table, crafted from the vineyard overlooking the Château.
Traditional winemaking
with a light touch
Once hand-picked, the grapes are swiftly de-stemmed and quality-checked at the winery. Only the free-run juice is used, with minimal addition of sulphur which produces a wine that is clean, expressive and contemporary in style while staying true to its traditions.
Following fermentation, the wine is transferred to oak barrels where it matures for at least 18 months, gaining complexity and structure. In the final stage, a meticulous selection by plot and barrel guides the blending process, bringing together the finest expressions of the vineyard and vintage.
- Hand-harvested in mid-Autumn
- Crafted with minimal intervention
- Only free-run juice
- Grown at 300m on south-facing, silt-clay slopes characterised by rocks and gravel
- Microclimate influenced by Atlantic breezes
- Aged for a minimum of 18 months in oak barrels.
At Domaine Vialer deep-rooted tradition meets contemporary artisan expertise, crafting structured red wines with elegant poise to showcase the notorious ageing potential of the Tannat grape. As a result, releases are held back for a minimum of five years, with select vintages cellared for up to a decade before release.
Michael Dee and Christopher Burr MW have carefully curated the portfolio, so that each wine tells its own story of passion, patience and persistence.
DEE 11’
by Domaine Vialer
Grand Vin
du Domaine Vialer
Library Stock:
limited release
A rare gem from the library, this wine is a testament to the Estate’s historic origins. With layers of complexity and gentle mature elegance, the 2011 vintage offers a refined profile, showcasing the terroir typicity of Domaine Vialer, with the potential to mature further.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“For me this is a true expression of what this unique vineyard site and the Tannat grape can do. From the small remaining library stock, now, after fourteen years ageing, this is a refined elegant wine, still young, but with good complexity.
I like this vintage very much because it is now gentle and yet still has some youthful black fruit character and firm gastronomic acidity, and the potential to mature further.”
DEE 14’
by Domaine Vialer
Grand Vin
du Domaine Vialer
Initial commercial release
The 2014 vintage of Domaine Vialer is a harmonious and complex blend that encapsulates the true expression of the vineyard’s character. With bright dark fruit, a well-integrated ripe tannic structure and commendable persistence. Intensely gastronomic and setting the benchmark for future vintages.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“A wine of impressive depth and youthfulness revealing a deep, inky intensity.
Showcasing vibrant black cherry earthiness complemented by rich mushroom, dark chocolate and subtle leather with umami nuances. Distinctive barnyard aromas signal the wine’s developing maturity.
The velvety, ripe tannins are beautifully integrated, harmoniously balanced by vibrant acidity and offering exceptional persistence, with eucalyptus freshness on the finish.
Pairs perfectly with steak, rich cassoulets, duck and roasted goose.”
Chevalier de Trinquet
by Domaine Vialer
Deuxième Vin
du Domaine Vialer
Assemblage second wine of the Estate, mainly from younger vines
A celebration of the Domaine’s winemaking artistry, Chevalier de Trinquet is a carefully crafted, fruit-forward assemblage offering a captivating balance of freshness and depth. Its bright fruit notes and softly rounded tannins make this wine an accessible yet sophisticated choice for all occasions.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“For a second wine, Chevalier de Trinquet is a carefully crafted, fruit-forward assemblage that strikes a captivating balance between freshness and depth, with appealingly refined intensity.
On the nose, vibrant black and red cherry notes mingle with dark plum, delicate florality and beautifully integrated oak influence. The finish reveals complex layers of dark chocolate, cocoa nibs and subtle graphite hints, balanced by bright acidity.
This assemblage offers both immediate fulfilment and excellent ageing potential.”
DEE 19’
by Domaine Vialer
Grand Vin
du Domaine Vialer
(anticipated release: 2029)
On allocation
A wine for the connoisseur, the 2019 vintage is currently maturing in our cellars, having spent 18 months in oak casks, and will be available on allocation at the beginning of the drinking window in 2029.
Anticipated to be a truly exceptional release, this wine will highlight the formidable potential of the Tannat grape, grown in the foothills of the Pyrenees and Madiran, while reflecting the enduring winemaking prestige of Domaine Vialer.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“This is an exceptional wine, one of the best vintages after a warm summer with long ripening. Now the vines are nicely mature, they are offering even more character, complexity and structure in this good vintage. This is still a “baby,” and should not be released for a year or two, as one can see the complexity and intensity developing, to become the epitome of the Vialer vineyard in a top vintage.
A “big” wine, with lovely character and complexity, needs time as the firm structure of dark fruit, sound bright acidity, firm tannins and oak come together to provide the balance, complexity and elegance that this fine wine will develop.”
DEE 11’
by Domaine Vialer
Grand Vin
du Domaine Vialer
Library Stock:
limited release
A rare gem from the library, this wine is a testament to the Estate’s historic origins. With layers of complexity and gentle mature elegance, the 2011 vintage offers a refined profile, showcasing the terroir typicity of Domaine Vialer, with the potential to mature further.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“For me this is a true expression of what this unique vineyard site and the Tannat grape can do. From the small remaining library stock, now, after fourteen years ageing, this is a refined elegant wine, still young, but with good complexity.
I like this vintage very much because it is now gentle and yet still has some youthful black fruit character and firm gastronomic acidity, and the potential to mature further.”
DEE 14’
by Domaine Vialer
Grand Vin
du Domaine Vialer
Initial commercial release
The 2014 vintage of Domaine Vialer is a harmonious and complex blend that encapsulates the true expression of the vineyard’s character. With bright dark fruit, a well-integrated ripe tannic structure and commendable persistence. Intensely gastronomic and setting the benchmark for future vintages.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“A wine of impressive depth and youthfulness revealing a deep, inky intensity.
Showcasing vibrant black cherry earthiness complemented by rich mushroom, dark chocolate and subtle leather with umami nuances. Distinctive barnyard aromas signal the wine’s developing maturity.
The velvety, ripe tannins are beautifully integrated, harmoniously balanced by vibrant acidity and offering exceptional persistence, with eucalyptus freshness on the finish.
Pairs perfectly with steak, rich cassoulets, duck and roasted goose.”
Chevalier de Trinquet
by Domaine Vialer
Deuxième Vin
du Domaine Vialer
Assemblage second wine of the Estate, mainly from younger vines
A celebration of the Domaine’s winemaking artistry, Chevalier de Trinquet is a carefully crafted, fruit-forward assemblage offering a captivating balance of freshness and depth. Its bright fruit notes and softly rounded tannins make this wine an accessible yet sophisticated choice for all occasions.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“For a second wine, Chevalier de Trinquet is a carefully crafted, fruit-forward assemblage that strikes a captivating balance between freshness and depth, with appealingly refined intensity.
On the nose, vibrant black and red cherry notes mingle with dark plum, delicate florality and beautifully integrated oak influence. The finish reveals complex layers of dark chocolate, cocoa nibs and subtle graphite hints, balanced by bright acidity.
This assemblage offers both immediate fulfilment and excellent ageing potential.”
DEE 19’
by Domaine Vialer
Grand Vin
du Domaine Vialer
(anticipated release: 2029)
On allocation
A wine for the connoisseur, the 2019 vintage is currently maturing in our cellars, having spent 18 months in oak casks, and will be available on allocation at the beginning of the drinking window in 2029.
Anticipated to be a truly exceptional release, this wine will highlight the formidable potential of the Tannat grape, grown in the foothills of the Pyrenees and Madiran, while reflecting the enduring winemaking prestige of Domaine Vialer.
Tasting notes by Christopher Burr MW:
“This is an exceptional wine, one of the best vintages after a warm summer with long ripening. Now the vines are nicely mature, they are offering even more character, complexity and structure in this good vintage. This is still a “baby,” and should not be released for a year or two, as one can see the complexity and intensity developing, to become the epitome of the Vialer vineyard in a top vintage.
A “big” wine, with lovely character and complexity, needs time as the firm structure of dark fruit, sound bright acidity, firm tannins and oak come together to provide the balance, complexity and elegance that this fine wine will develop.”
