Thorman Hunt is delighted to announce its appointment as exclusive UK importer for Platt Vineyard and Outpost Wines, two extraordinary Californian estates owned by AXA Millésimes. Over the past decades AXA Millésimes has assembled one of the world’s most impressive vineyard portfolios, guided by Christian Seely, whose expertise ensures their vision is realised. Both estates also draw on renowned consulting winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. The acquisition of Outpost Wines, perched high on Howell Mountain in 2018, and Platt Vineyard, on the far western edge of the Sonoma Coast in 2022, reflects a bold commitment to California’s most distinctive terroirs.
“We are excited to add Platt Vineyard and Outpost to our California portfolio. Together these two estates represent a striking duality of California terroir, the mountain power and coastal finesse.” – Charlie Hunt, Director
Platt Vineyard – Sonoma Coast Precision
Lewis E. Platt planted the vineyard in 2003–2004, working with top winemakers and viticulturalists to produce California’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Esteemed producers like Littorai and Rivers-Marie have made wines from Platt-grown grapes.
“California does not have a formal system for ranking vineyards. If it did, there is no question Platt would be a Grand Cru.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Less than 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean on a sunny, south-facing ridgeline, Platt Vineyard benefits from a maritime climate. Cooler days and warmer nights allow slow, even ripening while preserving acidity, while radiant sun ensures full phenolic maturity at restrained alcohol levels. Frequent fog moderates temperature extremes and moistens vines and surrounding Redwoods. Coastal hills buffer intense winds into cooling breezes while funneling fog and salty air across the vineyard.
Outpost Wines – Howell Mountain Intensity
Outpost sits on the rocky volcanic soils of Howell Mountain, at 550–670m above the fog line. Warm mornings with early sunlight, cooler afternoons, and consistent breezes create a unique Napa Valley environment. Cabernet Sauvignon is the focus, with small plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, and Zinfandel adding diversity. The brown and red Aiken loam and clay soils are deep, well drained, and weathered from volcanic rock. Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring above-average California rainfall. Surrounded by coniferous forests, the estate shares its habitat with hawks, black bears, foxes, and jackrabbits.
“Across the board, these are world-class wines turned out by an organization that manages to combine the near-infinite resources of a global megacorporation (AXA) with the soulful management of a founder and the deft winemaking touch of Thomas Rivers Brown.” – Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker
With these two estates, Thorman Hunt brings to the UK market a rare opportunity: wines that speak with absolute clarity of their terroir, crafted at the highest level of ambition and precision.
