94/100
Robert Parker
"Unique vintage, unique vintage, 100% Mourvèdre!"
"There are two slightly eccentric wines from this domaine that deserve special attention. Almost 100% Mourvèdre from a plot near Vinsobres, the sensational 2015 Vin de France Arcane Le Diable benefited from a three-week maceration (Xavier prefers to get as much extraction as possible before alcoholic fermentation) and was aged mainly in small oak and concrete vats. Blueberries, blackberries, peppery herbs and spices emerge from this well-structured, full-bodied wine of great purity, integrated acidity and generous structure." (Wine Advocate 2016)
Features
Estate
Xavier Vignon
Cuvée
Arcane Le Diable
Vintage
2015
Designation
Vin de France
Region
Rhône
Grape varieties
100% Mourvèdre (très vieilles vignes)
Terroirs
17 Vaucluse parcels (some over a hundred years old): red clay, blue clay, rolled pebbles, Urgonian pebbles, sands...
Viticulture
Reasoned
Harvest
Manual
Winemaking
Partial destemming, 3-week pre-fermentation cold maceration
Breeding
15 months: 30% in new oak barrels (Stockinger, ultra-low toast), 70% in small concrete vats
Alcohol content
15 %
Tasting & pairing
Eye
Almost black colour
Nose
Aromas of black fruit, garrigue and mild spices.
Mouth
Massive structure, elegant tannins, lovely freshness, long finish with a hint of liquorice, black fruit and light salinity.
Serve
AT 15-17°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2025
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with braised prime rib, duck à l'orange, lamb tagine with apricots, game stew, caramelized lamb mouse, aged cheeses...
Xavier Vignon
Vin de France
Expert opinion
Decanter
Area rated Recommended
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated (2016 guide) 94/100 (Outstanding wine)
Domaine noté Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
There are two slightly eccentric wines from this domaine that deserve special attention. Almost 100% Mourvèdre from a parcel near Vinsobres, the sensational 2015 Vin de France Arcane Le Diable benefited from a three-week maceration (Xavier prefers to get as much extraction as possible before alcoholic fermentation) and was aged mainly in small oak and concrete vats. Blueberries, blackberries, peppery herbs and spices emerge from this well-structured, full-bodied wine of great purity, integrated acidity and generous structure.
Jancis Robinson
Recommended area
James Suckling
Recommended area
Jeb Dunnuck
Recommended area
Customer reviews
Customer rating
3.9/5
out of 155 reviews
Note and review by M. PHILIPPE P. Published on 20/11/2024
A 100% mourvèdre 2015 at a very affordable price. Powerful, deep, almost black, a must among wines from this wonderful terroir of the Southern Côtes-du-Rhône. A great success from Xavier Vignon, who never disappoints! (This is at least the third time I've ordered one...)
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Note and review by M. PHILIPPE J. Published on 17/09/2024
Always chiseled wines ... balanced, neither too round nor too full-bodied... A pleasure
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Note and review by M. DIDIER O. Published on 29/06/2024
well-structured wine. should improve with age. Enjoyed with cote de boeuf and Roquefort . After a year in the cellar, I've upped the rating to 5 stars. "A GOOD LITTLE DEVIL IN HIS PRIME".
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Note and review by M. REMY P. Published on 25/09/2020
excellent but to keep a little longer
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Note and review by M. HERVE B. Published on 07/07/2020
Dark red color Spicy nose with scents of Provence Ripe red fruit, mellow tannins Worth keeping in the cellar
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Note and review by M. JEAN MARIE D. Published on 21/05/2020
A very dense, highly-strong wine for lovers of strong wines!
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Note and review by M. ALAIN R. Published on 16/04/2020
Very good
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Note and review by M. JEAN BAPTISTE D. Published on 27/04/2019
After a long decanting, superb wine, notes of wild fruit followed by vanilla, very good now but can wait another 3 years.
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Note and review by M. PHILIPPE K. Published on 11/10/2018
A wine in the tradition of this winemaker's wines, i.e. very good.
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Note and review by M. ANTOINE G. Published on 20/08/2018
A very modern wine in a very powerful, concentrated style. For connoisseurs only
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