2007 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape

As an enologist, Xavier Vignon's hands are all over Châteauneuf-du-Pape-- an astounding 65% of the appellation's producers work with Xavier. Thus, our ears were piqued a few years ago, when we first heard that Vignon planned to begin bottling wines under his own name. The strategy was to buy small lots of wine from his clients in Châteauneuf, Vacqueryas, and Gigondas, wines that Vignon had followed from vine to cask, then blend for lushness, intensity and concentration. These finished wines showcase the best characteristics of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.

As an enologist, Xavier Vignon's hands are all over Châteauneuf-du-Pape-- an astounding 65% of the appellation's producers work with Xavier. Thus, our ears were piqued a few years ago, when we first heard that Vignon planned to begin bottling wines under his own name. The strategy... more