Vintage NV Producer Xavier Vignon Wine Type Red Wine Xavier Vignon has done it again! This sorcerer of Châteauneuf has crafted his latest masterpiece using tiny parcels of Grenache sourced from the 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017 vintages. While a multi-vintage wine that incorporates fruit from throughout the southern Rhône region is pretty much unheard of, nothing is outside the boundaries for this visionary winemaker, especially for his “Arcane” series of experimental wines. Today, thanks to our relationship with Xavier, we are the first on the planet to offer his voluptuous “Arcane – Le Fou” red for sale. This full-throttle, remarkably polished wine has earned 96 Points from Jeb Dunnuck. As regular Vin Chicago readers know, Xavier is one of the top consulting winemakers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the southern Rhône. Through relationships with his clients, he is able to identify and secure small parcels of exceptional fruit, often in partial trade for his services. He uses this fruit to bottle wine under his own label, saving the most interesting and experimental wines for his “Arcane” series. His “Arcane – Le Fou” contains 15 variations of Grenache from five vintages and ten subregions of the southern Rhône, along with small amounts of Syrah, Mourvedre and Caladoc. It is a blockbuster wine! 96Jeb Dunnuck The NV Vin de France Arcane Le Fou is another unique wine from this incredible winemaker. This cuvée focuses on different clones of Grenache as well as just about every permitted variety out there (although it’s 85% Grenache). It has a big, sweet nose of blueberries, black cherries, lavender, and peppery incense as well as a full-bodied, layered, powerful yet seamless style on the palate. With no hard edges, silky tannins, and a big finish, it’s a singular wine (it’s mostly from vines in Châteauneuf Du Pape) to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. Drinking Window: 2019 – 2034 Reviewer Name: Jeb Dunnuck Review Date: 16th August 2019