The Domaine Mayard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most striking revelations of the appellation in recent years. Founded in 2021 by Arthur and Hugo Mayard — the sixth generation of a winemaking family deeply rooted in the region — this estate, born from the division of Vignobles Mayard, has quickly established itself as a benchmark for all lovers of fine, precise wines that are deeply expressive of their terroir.
In just a few vintages, the Mayard signature has made its mark far beyond the borders of the appellation. At Best Vintage, we had the privilege of offering it to our clients. Today, we are out of stock — and that is no coincidence.
🍇 A young estate with a century-old history
The Domaine Mayard is technically a new estate — yet it carries within it six generations of winemaking expertise. Arthur and Hugo Mayard have inherited around twelve hectares of exceptional vineyards, including 10 hectares in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, spread across four parcels: Le Grand Coulet, Les Serres, La Crau Est and Le Pointu, located in the communes of Sorgues, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Courthézon.
From their very first harvest, the two brothers clearly established their philosophy: a living agriculture focused on the soil and the vine. No chemicals, no shortcuts. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, cellar interventions are kept to a strict minimum, and each parcel is vinified separately to reveal its own identity.
“We are not trying to make the most powerful wine of the appellation. We are striving to make the most accurate one — the wine that expresses something true about this terroir.”
🌿 The Mayard style: finesse, precision, emotion
In a landscape where Châteauneuf-du-Pape is often synonymous with power, alcohol and oak, Domaine Mayard deliberately takes the opposite approach. The style is elegant, airy, with a level of aromatic precision rarely seen in the appellation.
The flagship blend — 80% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 10% Mourvèdre — is fermented with indigenous yeasts, without added sulfur, using hand-harvested grapes that are partially destemmed. A long maceration (around 40 days) is followed by aging in wooden foudres and then in concrete tanks, for a total of 18 months before bottling.
The result? A wine that breathes, that vibrates. Aromas of fresh cherry, flowers, gentle spices and garrigue. A textured palate, silky tannins, and a long, crystalline finish. For lovers of delicate and aromatic wines within the appellation, this is an essential address.
🍾 The cuvées to know
| Cuvée | Appellation | Main grape varieties | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Grenache 80%, Cinsault, Mourvèdre | Elegant, fruity, precise |
| Côtes-du-Rhône | Côtes-du-Rhône | Grenache, Syrah | Accessible, gourmet |
📅 Vintages to know
| Vintage | Character | Critical rating | Appreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Fresh, floral, mineral tension | Highly rated | ★★★★☆ |
| 2022 | Complexe, gourmand, velvety | 95 pts Wine Advocate | ★★★★★ |
| 2023 | Fruity, deep, great elegance | Highly anticipated | ★★★★★ |
The 2022 was hailed by Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate) as “a real success” with 95 points – a recognition that confirms the estate‘s rapid ascent.
🗣 The word of the cellarman
The first time I opened a bottle of Mayard, it was a 2021, at the end of the day, almost by chance. I was expecting a classic Châteauneuf – powerful, fleshy, solar. What I got in the glass stopped me dead in my tracks.
Disconcertingly light. Aromas of burlat cherry, white pepper, a touch of lavender. And that length… that way the wine stretches out without ever weighing itself down. I immediately thought of those rare estates in the appellation that favor finesse over demonstration.
Since then, whenever a customer asks me for a different Châteauneuf – a wine that surprises, that doesn’t resemble the others – it’s Mayard that I mention first. And they always come back.
– The Best Vintage team, wine merchants
📭 Why Domaine Mayard is out of stock
📭
No surprise to those who follow the domaine closely. Here’s why Mayard bottles are disappearing so fast:
- ✦ A confidential production – less than 12 hectares in appellation
- ✦ S trong growth in international demand since the first reviews
- ✦ Vintages rated 95 points by the world’s specialist press
- ✦ A distribution network voluntarily restricted by the domain
- ✦ Loyal fans who reserve as soon as the market is released
Scarcity is not a marketing argument here – it’s a structural reality. The estate is not looking to produce more. It seeks to produce better.
❓ Frequently asked questions about Domaine Mayard
Who are Arthur and Hugo Mayard?
Arthur and Hugo Mayard are two brothers representing the sixth generation of a winegrowing family established in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They founded Domaine Mayard in 2021 after splitting Vignobles Mayard into several separate entities.
Is Domaine Mayard certified biodynamic?
The estate practices living, biodynamic agriculture, with organic certification. The approach focuses on soil health, the use of indigenous yeasts and vinification without adding sulfur.
What is Domaine Mayard’s best vintage?
The 2022 vintage is currently the most acclaimed by international critics, with 95 points awarded by Wine Advocate. The 2023 is also eagerly awaited for its aromatic depth.
Which grape varieties are used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mayard?
The blend is dominated by Grenache (80%), completed by Cinsault (10%) and Mourvèdre (10%). A classic appellation blend, crafted with the precision and lightness that set it apart.
Where are the Domaine Mayard vineyards located?
The 10 hectares in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation are spread over four islets: Le Grand Coulet (Sorgues), Les Serres, La Crau Est (Châteauneuf-du-Pape) and Le Pointu (Courthézon).
Why is Domaine Mayard so hard to find?
Production is limited to a dozen hectares, with distribution deliberately restricted. Rapid recognition by the international press has created a demand that far exceeds available supply. Visit our dedicated page to be alerted when we are back in stock →