AXA Millésimes acquires Napa estate

The owner of Château Pichon Baron and Quinta do Noval, AXA Millésimes, has bought Outpost Wines – its first acquisition in Napa Valley.

Outpost Wines is located near Angwin on the higher slopes of Howell Mountain. The sum paid by AXA to the Dotzler family was not disclosed.

Christian Seely (pictured), managing director of AXA Millésimes, said: “We have been looking to make an acquisition in Napa Valley for some time.”

He continued that with estates located across some of the world’s most famous European wine regions, “we have been searching for a vineyard property in Napa Valley capable of making wines with the dimension of greatness that we are looking for, and we were thrilled to come across the wines and the vineyards of Outpost Wines a few months ago.”

He added that already having a leading Cabernet Sauvignon producer in Pichon Baron, a Napa Valley Cabernet was a nice complementary counterpoint in the portfolio.

It was announced that Frank Dotzler will stay on in a “fully operational capacity” as will winemaker Thomas Brown.

Seely said: “I am delighted that they have agreed to sell the property to AXA Millésimes, and that Outpost Wines can now join the family of exceptional vineyards that we own and manage.

“We look forward to working together with them to take this exceptional property to new heights in the future.”

Frank Dotzler added: “With the purchase of True Vineyard in 1998, Kathy and I embarked on a wonderful journey to try and make wines on the level of the great wines we had experienced from around the world. I believe all of those who have contributed to the Outpost Wines have plenty to be proud of.

“In the hopes of taking our wines to even greater heights, Kathy and I have decided to add Outpost Wines to the exquisite line up at AXA Millésimes. This extraordinary wine portfolio, which includes some of the great wines of the world, is focused on an unbound commitment to excellence which will assure the best possible care of our wines and the land.

“We would like to thank all of our friends and supporters for making this journey a truly wonderful ride. Everyone at Outpost Wines will be staying on to help guide the future. The best is yet to come.”