Xavier Vignon Arcane IX L'Hermite 2016 magnum

The 2016 Gigondas Arcane VIII L'Hermite likely won't be released for three to four years, said Vignon (it's already bottled). It is linear, tight and crisply focused, so no doubt he's right about when it will be approachable. Cedar frames bright cherry fruit in this medium to full-bodied GSM blend.

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.