90 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Vignon’s 2019 Cotes du Rhone 100% is named not for being mono-varietal—it’s anything but—but for including parcels from virtually all of the appellations in the Southern Rhône. A blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and the rest several other varieties and a bit of reserve wine from previous vintages, it offers a bouquet that combines garrigue with blackberries and adds subtle hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it should be enjoyed over the next several years.
Vignon’s seeming obsession with minerality in wine has led to him seeking sites that express that feature (as he perceives it). He’s also experimenting with various different vessels for aging, and even submerging filled barrels within tanks of wine
The ‘16s are big wines, loaded with complex fruit but remain fresh, with low ph, making them great at any dinner table this week and every week for the next decade
One of our Nicholas Wines all-time favorite winemakers is back with his top-selling 100% CDR, and I can tell you this year’s blend is unlike any that you’ve seen. This is a gorgeous and intricate blend that features all of the Southern Rhone appellations and the blend this year features 40% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, 7% Cinsault, 7% Marselan and even 6% Terret Noir.
Xavier told me that this wine is perfect with Beef or Pork tenderloin, duck, lamb, roasted vegetables, or just with a nice charcuterie board with some hard cheese and dried meats. One thing is for sure, there is nobody like the mad scientist in the Rhone, France or anywhere else in the winemaking world.
A roasted leg of lamb is a perfect match!