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Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Xavier Vignon Rhones

"Xavier Vignon, along with Philippe Cambie, are probably the two most highly renowned oenologists in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as some of the surrounding Cotes du Rhone regions. ...He is the consultant for such well-known domaines as Raymond Usseglio, Jerome Quiot, Beaurenard, La Nerthe, Mont Redon, Marcoux, Grand Veneur and La Gardine....They access gorgeous fruit from many different appellations and are doing a top-flight job of getting impressive quality into the bottle. Moreover, there are some top values in their portfolio as well." - Robert Parker
"Many of his wines are released quite late onto the market, as he prefers to age wines up to three winters before bottling and two winters after bottling." - Robert Parker



2019 Xavier Vignon Lirac Rouge....$24.99
An 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah, Vignon's 2019 Lirac is drawn from multiple parcels with galets roulés over clay soils. Roughly one-third went into oak, while the rest stayed in tank. It may be the most complex of the various Vignon "Signature" offerings, marrying hints of garrigue and licorice with mixed berries and hints of oak. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and forward, with the same lip-smacking drinkability factor that marks all of Vignon's wines on the finish. 
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate

2019 Xavier Gigondas Rouge...$39.99
Swirls of black raspberry ice cream and dark chocolate combine in Vignon's 2019 Gigondas, a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre from numerous small parcels dotted around the appellation. Matured in a large wooden vat, there's no apparent oak aromas or flavors, just the purity of old-vine fruit, creamy tannins, ample concentration and a bright, vibrant—and long—finish. With its combination of intensity and tension, it should drink well for a decade or more.
Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate

2020 Xavier Vingon Chateauneuf du Pape....$49.99
A lovely example of what one of the Rhone Valley's top appellations is capable of producing. A bright saturated purple in the glass, the nose and palate are highlighted by berry and cherry fruit, with hints of spice. The palate reflects the nose, with warmth and spice, in addition to the exquisite red fruit
Rated 95/100 Beverage Dynamics
The ample nose of dried cherry, candied orange and fresh rosemary leads you into this rich, yet fresh Chateauneuf with fine tannins and enough acidity to keep it clean. Lively and moderately dry finish. A cuvee of 75% grenache, 10% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 5% clairette. Drink or hold.
Rated 92/100 James Suckling

2020 Xavier Vingon Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Vieilles Vignes...$19.99
"White Label"

Who could resist the ripe red-fruit aromas of this wine? And if they don’t get you, then the smoky and hot-asphalt nuances will. Rich and fleshy but beautifully balanced, this makes a statement about what the humble Cote-du-Rhone appellation is capable of. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
Rated 92/100 James Suckling

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