Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône (75cl, 14%)

Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône is a red blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah from France's southern Rhône Valley. Fruit is sourced from 76 parcels across galets roulés, sand, clay and limestone terroirs concentrated in the northern Vaucluse. The blend undergoes co-fermentation at moderate temperatures, then ages for 12 months in concrete tanks. The nose opens with violets and blueberries, then blackberry, dried Mediterranean herbs and a whisper of mesquite smoke. The palate brings fresh dark cherry and cassis, raspberry and blueberry fruit, silky fine-grained tannins, black tea and dried spice. The finish is vivid and succulent, with lingering cassis and licorice fading into soft herbal tones.