2017 Xavier Vignon Cuvee Anonyme (750ml)

Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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With such shockingly delicious cuvees as his 2007 Anonyme – Vignon's debut wine under his own label – you and I came to know the genius behind so many of the Rhone’s greatest bottlings (that was my first offer to you, way back in 2014). As sole winemaker for Xavier Vins, Vignon also consults for such luminaries as Raymond Usseglio, Marcoux, Grand Veneur and a host of others.

Alas, as with so many upstarts, Xavier Vins' huge notoriety (Parker & Dunnuck scores through the roof) hindered supply. Complicating matters, Xavier has quite a unique winemaking style; vinification periods, combined with bottle aging can lead to wines being held back five or six years before reaching the market. Other than Henri Bonneau – with his Cuvee Celestins – no other winemaker in the Valley – that I know of – produces wines in this manner.

The wines, however, are worth the minor headaches; patience pays big dividends when it comes to Xavier's wines. Moreover, because he doesn't actually own an estate – playing dual roles as oenologist and negociant – his overhead is nominal. So the wines we're enjoying are doubly impressive; powerful, deeply complex, aged to perfection – and insanely well priced.

97WA

96JD

Tasted from barrel, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme adds toasty notes, cedar and vanilla to the whirlwind of fruit Vignon was able to harness in 2017. Blueberries, black cherries and stone fruit notes abound in this plush, full-bodied red that remains silky and focused on the long finish. It looks to be a terrific effort.

95-97 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Issue # 239 - Oct 2018)

A wine that's going to compete with the 2015 and 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Anonyme sports a deep purple color as well as a balanced, elegant, full-bodied, sexy personality that's already hard to resist. It has loads of dark fruits, peppery herbs, and violet notes, fine tannin, no hard edges, and sensational balance. It’s going to be approachable on release yet also evolve gracefully.

94-96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2018)

Alcohol By Volume: 15.0%

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$59.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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