"Powerful Yet Seamless" New Release from Xavier Vignon

Xavier Vignon "Arcane Le Fou" Vin de France ($24.99)

96 points Jeb 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 its 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." (08/2019)

K&L Notes: Xavier Vignon was always a scientist at heart and began his studies in pharmacology in Reims in the Champagne region. A chance encounter with an oenologist ignited his passion for wine and set him on a new path where he quickly changed his focus to winemaking. Studying winemaking in Champagne and abroad gave him a different outlook in wine production and he brought that perspective back to Montpellier in southern France where he finished his oenology degree.

With years of wine experience under his belt, his career as a consulting winemaker really started in 1996. Working with top estates and growers he has created a catalog of contacts that he calls on to get some of the best fruit (that he helps grow) and makes some of the most exciting wines in the region. Using that Champagne sensibility, he has created many different cuvées that defy the regional mold using multiple vintages and different terroirs to express something new and exciting.

Le Fou is maybe one of his greatest achievements in his Arcane series. A blend of five vintages across ten terroirs, primarily Châteanueuf, with Ventoux, Rasteau, and other Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages thrown in for good measure. It is a blend meant to express the diversity of Grenache's variations and clones but has small amounts of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Caladoc for some added complexity. He calls it the "Champagne style taken to its limits!" This is a full and fleshy wine from one of the great winemakers in the Rhône.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 08, 2024

Xavier Vignon continues to stun with each of his releases. Having worked with top growers as their consulting winemaker for almost two decades, Vignon has access to the best fruit. The Arcane series is unique in that it is informed by Xavier's beginnings in Champagne. Fractional blending, different sites, different clones, different vintages are just some of the tools he uses to make a sum-greater-than-its-parts blend.

Le Fou is primarily Grenache from a multitude of interesting clones, all from his favorite terroirs. There is Ventoux, Rasteau and of course, Châteauneuf. This is a lusty bottle of wine with deep Chambord and kirsch flavors. It is opulent, but like all of Xavier's wines, it has balance. Not heady, just sumptuous. With so many interesting wines from this producer this year, including the 2001 and 1972 Châteauneufs, is there room for something like this? How can there not be? This is something new and exciting to behold!

Scott Beckerley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 11, 2024

This little delight is juicy and rich with bits of chalkiness and minerals. The fruit tends toward darker fruits, more black than red. There is a light overlay of anise and baking spice. The longish finish reflects the light chalk and minerals.