Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme 2019

As the 2019s are just starting to be reviewed with many not even imported yet, you can imagine my surprise when my winemaking friend, Xavier, called to tell me that I really had to hurry if I wanted this one.

I was really confused.. “What do you mean? I asked. The 2019s just came out. I just checked online and Parker hasn’t even rated this one yet.” Xavier just chuckled on the other end. Nicholas, 2019 vintage was outrageously good and I always get bigger scores from the Wine Advocate than Jeb Dunnuck. But Dunnuck has already given me a 97-point review.

Turns out, after a bit of research, (not that I didn’t trust the winemaker that Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate affectionately refers to as the ‘mad scientist’) 2019 is truly special for CDP. It’s been called a “dream vintage”, I saw “vintage of the decade” I saw a lot of things. All overwhelmingly positive about what is to come with these age-worthy 2019’s.

Decanter summarized it with this: “Châteauneuf-du-Pape is exceptional in its own way, combining elegance with power, and excelling over neighboring appellations.” I thought about it… with an exceptional year and the rare talent of Xavier, this may end up being his Mona Lisa.