Xavier Vignon Arcane IX L’Hermite Gigondas 2016

From steeper slopes, the 2016 Gigondas Arcane L’Hermite checks in as 80% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, Muscardin, and Picpoul Noir that was aged in a submerged barrel. It’s another beautiful wine from Xavier that has loads of blackberries, spice, dried herbes de Provence, and loamy soil. It’s elegant, seamless and silky, with beautiful purity and elegance. It’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for a decade. Score – 94. (jebdunnuck.com, Aug. 28, 2018)