Xavier Vignon Lirac 2020 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the follow-up to the excellent 2019 Xavier Vignon Lirac that I enjoyed nearly three years ago. This latest vintage arrived at the LCBO as part of last month's September 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Xavier Vins, a wine label that was established towards the end of the 20th century by celebrated French winemaker Xavier Vignon. The story begins while Xavier was studying in the faculty of pharmacy in the Champagne capital of Reims when he caught the wine bug thanks to a chance encounter with an oenologist. This encounter led to Xavier gaining valuable experience at several Champagne houses and was the beginning of his journey into the world of winegrowing and producing wine.

Today, Xavier Vignon is known for using his expertise in blending and deep understanding of terroir to produce high-quality wines from the Rhône Valley. The philosophy at Xavier Vignon is to use an unusual, original, and creative approach that combines daring with inspiration. His time in Champagne and Bordeaux left a lasting impression on him, with strong values in the freedom of blending and the notion of beginning with an idea before embarking on the creation of the wine. Furthermore, each year is different and a source of surprise. The art of blending different grape varieties imparts complexity to the wine, while also enhancing the terroir. As a means to achieve this philosophy, Xavier Vignon has a wide range of ingredients at his disposal, such as grapes, terroirs, parcels, exposures, altitudes, stainless steel, concrete, and wooden receptacles.

With Xavier's deep knowledge of each and every part of the Rhône Valley, he is able to start by selecting a soil, a parcel, and a varietal with the aim of creating the most loyal and harmonious composition possible. Wines are always the result of contrary or complementary unions, and by bringing together these different entities, it provides the opportunity for the best possible result. Therefore, each cuvée is a unique experience that is an expression of vintage, varietal or terroir. It is also a source of emotion that is guided by the pleasure of sharing, and an invitation to not only dream, but also to better understand those landscapes which Xavier holds close to his heart. Xavier Vignon strives to capture this little part of the southern Rhône in the bottle, to encapsulate all of its aromas, colours, and textures, with the ultimate goal of making people happy.

While the previous vintage was predominantly Grenache, the 2020 vintage is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. This cuvée was crafted using grapes from the heart of the Lirac appellation, one of the most southern Crus of the Rhône Valley and covers the best soils of four communes in the Gard. The grapes come from a selection of 15 parcels within the appellation that are mainly made up of rolled pebbles and clay soils. In the vineyard, the grapes were pruned using the goblet pruning method, which helps limit the sugar content and preserves freshness. In a sunny vintage such as 2020, goblet pruning allows natural acidity to be maintained. Upon determining the harvest dates by daily measurement of polyphenols in the berries, the grapes were manually harvested. It was fermented at a moderate temperature to favour soft diffusion of flavour compounds using 100% free-run juice, with extraction by gravity. All the Grenache was vinified and matured in concrete tanks. Meanwhile, 30% of the Syrah was matured in unheated Allier and Vosges barrels for 12 months, with the remainder matured in concrete tanks.

From an excellent growing season that delivered wines of finesse and elegance, let's see how this 2020 Lirac red from the southern Rhône Valley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON LIRAC 2020 - AP, Rhône, France (#636183) (XD) - $23.95
Mostly aged in concrete tanks, this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah has a ripe and spicy medium-high intensity nose that offers lovely black & red cherry, peppery spice, blackberry, and stony mineral aromas with touches of floral and oak spice. The dry, medium-full bodied palate shows elegance and finesse with delicious black raspberry, red & black cherry, peppery spice, and mineral flavours, joined by meaty and floral touches that add complexity. It's well-supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity and smooth, fine-grained, and well-structured tannins. It's nicely balanced throughout with savoury mineral notes lingering on the long, gently chalky finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90+ pts

Several lovely wines by Xavier Vignon are available at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2020 (France) - Wine Review (Nov. 2022)

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, organic red wine from Rhône that returned to LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario just over a week ago as part of the recent November 19th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Xavier Vignon, a man who started out as an consultant oenologist in 1996 in a laboratory in Vaucluse in the Southern Rhône Valley for 30+ cellars, and three years later started crafted artisanal cuvees from his garage for his friends. After one of his friends secretly took his wines and submitted them to Guide Hachette where they received critical acclaim, Xavier started crafted his own wines under the Xavier Vins label. Today, with two fundamental values of a job well done and the capacity to transmit knowledge, Xavier bottles wines under his own name. He is known as a Terroir Hunter and Master Blender, while also having respect for the environment. The wines of Xavier Vignon are the result of a scientific background, great deal of experience, confidence in others, total involvement, exchange of knowledge, and shared pleasure.

I first enjoyed this organic 2020 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône six month ago when it showed up in VINTAGES in last spring. It is a blend of primarily Grenache from 80-year-old vines, plus Syrah from 45-year-old vines, and Mourvèdre from 60-year-old vines, all grown on Galets roulés (rolled pebbles), sands, clay, and limestone soils located mostly in the northern part of the Vaucluse and altitude parcels. The grapes were manually harvested, fermented at moderate temperatures, and aged in concrete tanks for a short period of time.

The 2020 vintage benefitted from a good amount of rain in late-autumn and the early winter of 2019, providing very good water stores that would help the vines stay hydrated later in the year. The mild and dry winter meant that flowering and bud break took place early, while the dry and hot summer resulted in a long ripening season with vines drawing water from their winter reserves. During the 2020 growing season, there were no sever heat spikes and night-time temperatures were much cooler, thus allowing the grapes to gently and gradually ripen. The Southern Rhône also benefitted from cool winds which refreshed the vines during the summer heat. Conditions were splendid during harvest as the pristine grapes were picked in warm, dry conditions. Wines from the 2020 Southern Rhône Valley are described as well-balanced with finesse and elegance. Let's see how this 2020 organic Côtes du Rhône tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 - AP, France (#297317) (XD) - $17.95
Aged in concrete, this is primarily Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support. Lovely, elegant, and fragrant mix that is spicy and savoury, joined by ripe dark red cherry, raspberry, and red plum aromas, plus hints of white pepper spice and meaty notes. It's medium-full bodied with good concentration on the crunchy palate with spicy flavours of ripe dark red cherry, raspberry, and red plum that tapers to savoury, earthy, and meaty flavours. Saliva-inducing fresh and juicy acids. Supple, lightly grippy tannins. Nicely balanced throughout with lovely dark red cherry, raspberry, and mineral notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy to enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Score: 89 pts

You can find other lovely wines by Xavier Vignon at the LCBO and through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2020 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely, organic Côtes du Rhône that I've had the pleasure of enjoying on a couple of occasions over the last few years. The latest edition of this Rhône red will arrive in stores at the LCBO this weekend as part of the May 21st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Xavier Vignon, a man who started out as an consultant oenologist in 1996 in a laboratory in Vaucluse for 30+ cellars. Originally of Picardie in the North of France, he followed his passions of music and natural sciences and landed in Champagne to study in the faculty of pharmacy in Reims. A chance encounter with an oenologist while studying and Xavier caught the wine bug. He applied to the French National Diploma of Oenology and gained valuable experience working at several Champagne houses. Xavier worked several harvests across the globe, found mentors, and eventually settled in the southern Rhône Valley in 1996. He was amazed by the variety of terroirs and cultivars across the southern Rhône Valley and gained a reputation as a slightly mad consultant with innovative techniques.

In 1999, Xavier began producing artisanal cuvees from his garage for his friends. One of his friends secretly took his wines and submitted them to Guide Hachette where they received critical acclaim. In 2002, he started creating his own wines under the Xavier Vins label. Today, Xavier Vignon's two fundamental values are the love for a job well done and the capacity to transmit knowledge. He bottles wines under his own name and is known as a Terroir Hunter and Master Blender. With respect for the environment, Xavier's wines are the result of a scientific background, a great deal of experience, confidence in others, total involvement, exchange of knowledge, and shared pleasure.

My last full review of this wine was the 2017 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône that I enjoyed three summers ago. This organic red wine continues to be a blend of primarily Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support. The Grenache comes from 80-year-old vines, the Syrah from 45-year-old vines, and the Mourvèdre is from 60-year-old vines. The grapes were grown on Galets roulés (rolled pebbles), sands, clay, and limestone soils located mostly in the northern part of the Vaucluse and altitude parcels. Manually harvested, the grapes were fermented at moderate temperatures to favour soft diffusion of flavour compounds, and aged in concrete tanks for a short period of time. With a generally dry, sunny growing season, the 2020 vintage promises to be a very good year. Let's see how this 2020 Côtes du Rhône is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 - AP, France (#297317) (XD) - $17.95
This organic wine is primarily Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support, aged in concrete tanks, and has a clean, fragrant, mineral-inflected nose layered with ripe black, blueberry, and violet aromas with meaty and dried herbal touches. On the medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and slightly warming, yet balanced, with black-blue-purple fruits, violet, stony mineral, and meaty flavours. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the ripe, supple tannins have some structure and chalky grip. Very good length on the long, savoury, minerally finish. I really like this. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Xavier Vignon are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Xavier Vignon Lirac 2019 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely red from the Lirac AOC in the southern Rhône Valley that arrives at the LCBO this weekend. Not only is this wine featured as part of the theme on "Elegant Wines for Holiday Entertaining" in the December 11 LCBO VINTAGES Release, but it also the Wine of the Month and will be widely available across the province by Saturday, if not already.

It is produced by Xavier Vignon, a man who for years was branding his wines under the "Xavier Vins" label. Xavier Vignon began his studies in the faculty of pharmacy in Reims, but caught the wine bug after a chance encounter with an oenologist. This encounter enabled Xavier to gain valuable experience working in several Champagne houses and began his journey to discover the world of wine.

Xavier studies oenology and agronomy and begins working for world class estates in France and Australia, mentored along the way. In 1998, he partnered with a friend to create their own consulting company, to great success, then started creating his own Rhône Valley blends a year later. In the first few years of the 21st century, Xavier builds his own brand of wines under the Xavier Vins label.

Today Xavier Vignon's fundamental values are the love for a job well done and the capacity to transmit knowledge. Xavier has in-depth knowledge of the Rhône Valley with many harvests under his belt. He is a terroir hunter and master blender, imparting his own history and style to craft unique wines while being respectful of the environment. His desire is to share his wines, the fruit of his passion, with people whether they are new wine drinkers, amateurs or connoisseurs.

This red wine from Lirac, a region I had the pleasure of visiting back in 2018, and is crafted using a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The grapes were sustainably grown on clay and galets roulés (pebble stone) soils, with the vines averaging 40-50 years old. In the winery, the grapes were co-fermented to increase aromatic complexity and fermented at moderate temperatures to favour soft diffusion of flavor compounds. Only 30% of the wine was aged in barrel for 12 months, while the remainder was aged in concrete tank to preserve the purity of the fruit.

The last cru wine I enjoyed from this producer was the 2017 Xavier Vignon Ventoux a couple of summers ago, let's see how this Lirac red is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON LIRAC 2019 - AP, Rhône, France (#636183) (XD) - $23.95
This co-fermented blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah was aged mostly in concrete tank. The medium+ intensity nose seems a bit shy, offering hints of spicy raspberry and blackberry, garrigue, plus whiffs of oak and mineral. The medium to medium-full bodied palate is fruit forward and uber-ripe with raspberry, dark berry, spice, and garrigue flavours surrounding a savoury core, plus touches of florality. It has juicy, lip-smacking acidity, and ripe, smooth, supple, and lightly chalky textured tannins. Nicely balanced throughout with a pleasing mix of berries and smoky mineral lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended buy to enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 91 pts

Some of the lovely wines from Xavier Vignon are currently available at the LCBO, while others can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Xavier Vignon Ventoux 2017 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Following up on the delicious 2017 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône that I enjoyed last week, tonight's red wine review is a new, lovely wine from the same producer that is also arriving as part of the July 20 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Xavier Vins is the creation of notable renowned wine consultant Xavier Vignon. He began his work as a consultant in 1996 and over time developed a profound knowledge of terroirs in the Rhône Valley. The 34 grape harvests around the world, mentors, winegrowers' friendships, and exceptional memory have all shaped Xavier's style and identity.

He works with various domaines in the southern Rhône Valley, including Raymond Usseglio, La Nerthe, Marcoux, Gardine, Jerome Quiot, Beaurenard, Mont Redon, Maucoil, Roger Perrin, and Grand Veneur, while also developing his own, self-named brand - Xavier Vignon.

This red wine hails from Ventoux appellation, a wine region in the southern Rhône Valley that I had the pleasure of visiting last May.

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON VENTOUX 2017 - AP, Rhône, France (#413211) (XD) - $16.95
Blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre. The Grenache was aged in tank, while the other varietals were aged in barrel. Generous aromas offer spicy red and blackberry fruit with hints of pepper and smoky-flinty minerality. It is medium-full bodied with nicely balanced and spicy aroma replays that are supported by vibrant acidity. More minerally on the mid-palate plus touches of purple fruit. Tannins are soft, supple, and finely textured. Dark berry and mineral notes linger on the long finish. I really like the mineral aspect of this Ventoux red wine. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

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Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2017 (France) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I opened this organic red wine from Rhône ahead of it's release into LCBO VINTAGES on July 20.

Xavier Vignon began oenologist consulting activities in 1996 in a laboratory in Vaucluse for 30+ cellars. With a growing clientele and knowledge of terroirs and grape varietals that are best suited for each other, he developed a reputation for being the "crazy guy". Xavier enjoys going into the vineyard and in 1998 he creates a consulting company with his friend Dominique Portet. Soon thereafter, his client base reaches triple digits. However, after Dominique left the partnership to start his own cellar in 1999, Xavier began producing artisanal cuvees from his garage for his friends. One of his winemaker friends' discreetly sent his cuvees to Guide Hachette and the results were one wine heart (i.e. Commended) rating, and all the other cuvees scored 3 stars (the highest possible rating).

In 2002, Xavier's wine importer friends asked if he could create his own wines. He chooses amongst the best wines he has made and creates Rhone wines of different vintages and appellations, and begins bottling as Xavier Vins.

More recently, Xavier Vignon decided that he had to express himself in his own name because he wants, above all, to share with all lovers, neophytes or enlightened, the fruit of his passion: his wines.

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2017 - AP, Rhône, France (#297317) (XD) - $17.95
This organic red wine is a blend of equal parts Syrah and Grenache, plus some Mourvèdre to round out the blend. The medium+ intensity nose offers lovely smoky black cherry, blackberry, and spice notes with hints of currant and minty herbs adding complexity. The medium-full bodied palate is more red-fruited and ripe with cherry, pepper spice, and currant flavours, along with some smoky mineral notes on the mid-palate. It has balanced acids and chewy, fine-grained tannins. Finishes with mocha chocolate and spice notes, with good length. Enjoy over the next 5 years. Score: 89 pts

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