2020 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône

A review for this wine on jancisrobinson.com caught our eye. The Queen of wine writing herself had picked it as her wine of the week. Xavier Vignon is a name we know well, having worked with his wines for years, but we tend to work exclusively with his top bottlings. We were intrigued enough to try his modest Côtes du Rhône for ourselves to see if it was – as she suggested – “not unlike Ch. Rayas” – a statement that raised more than a few eyebrows, especially coming from such a notoriously discerning critic. We settled down with our team to taste – deliberately not revealing the almost disconcertingly good price – and the wine delivered in every sense. It’s a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah, but sings of Grenache – perfumed and sweet, with a cherry kernel richness. The palate is lithe, pure and transparent, packed with juicy fruit, fine chalky tannins and a satisfying mineral undertone. The finish is long, mouth-watering and utterly moreish. You might be alarmed at its 14.5% ABV – but the alcohol is beautifully integrated here, unnoticeable in the vibrant, juicy and downright delicious wine. Aged in 80% concrete and 20% old oak for 12 months, it’s almost criminally good for the price – and well worth having a case or two of this superb Côtes du Rhône on hand.