With his international background and growing reputation in Bordeaux, it made sense that Jonathan Maltus would take his wine ventures beyond France.
The Napa adventure kicked off in 2008, with the clear goal of defying convention by bringing a French winemaking slant to the New World. It began as a collaboration, but in 2017 Jonathan wanted to get much more hands-on and take complete control over the winemaking to step up quality and precision.
By sourcing fruit from only the finest growing partners – principally from the most exclusive vineyards around To-Kalon, Oakville – World’s End wines are now beating out their rhythm louder and harder than ever before.
Jonathan has always known that thinking outside the box goes a long way in this industry. Like in Bordeaux, his only rules in Napa were terroir, terroir, and more terroir. And where the rules end, the fun begins: each wine takes the name of one of Jonathan’s favourite rock songs. Their iconic signature style originates from a single-vineyard approach reinforced by decades of Old World experience in the winery. These are complemented by the Reserve Wines that are a throwback to his roots where the best varieties and vineyards are weaved together to create classic Bordeaux blends.
Before even setting foot on American soil Jonathan knew exactly which terroirs he wanted to play with, and where to go for his grapes. Andy Beckstoffer’s reputation preceded him, but first Jonathan had to earn his trust - and with it a prized allocation of his fruit from Napa’s « Formula One » vineyards. After a hushed discussion in the Bistro Don Giovanni, a deal was struck. Andy agreed to give access to his ultra-elite To-Kalon and Missouri Hopper plots and Jonathan would show him a whole new way of working them in the winery.
World’s End might be Jonathan’s vision, but the wines are unquestionably a team effort. Neil Whyte has been Jonathan’s right-hand man in Bordeaux, Australia, and USA for more than 25 years. The duo regularly hop between Bordeaux and Napa to taste the wines, make important winemaking decisions about barrels and blends, meet up with man-on-the-ground, Adam Braunstein and enjoy a bit of Californian sun while they’re at it.
