Xavier Vignon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Arcane La Papesse - Red - 2016

Wine:

The 2016 Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arcane La Papesse is a wine of remarkable depth, showcasing extraordinary elegance with layered notes of exotic spices, cedar, black fruits, and fresh leather. Striking a perfect balance between power and finesse, it delivers a generous, polished palate with vibrant tannins, where charm and smoothness harmoniously intertwine. An impressive wine, it’s ready to be enjoyed now alongside a rich, slow-cooked meat dish, or can be cellared for another decade to reveal even greater complexity. Awarded an outstanding 94/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Hand harvested and sorted berries. The grapes are harvested and vinified in three different containers: truncated cone vats, concrete vats and stainless steel vats. Following the malolactic fermentation in November 2016, the wine is aged in various containers such as amphora, barrel, concrete tank, demi-muid and stainless steel tank. This phase of maturation in "Vinarium" is an innovative technique, consisting of plunging small barrels of 200 liters inside larger barrels. This process is implemented on this wine from 2017 to 2020.

Color:

Deep dark red.

Nose:

Powerful and delicate with intense aromas of cherry and plum underlined by notes of leather, cedar and a touch of chocolate.

Palate:

The wine begins with a precise and inviting first impression, unveiling a silky texture and velvety tannins that are perfectly integrated into its complex aromatic profile. The finish is long and elegant, delivering a truly memorable tasting experience.

Temperature:

Serve at 16 to 18°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Mushroom risotto, rack of lamb with dried herbs, chicken skewer with peppers, brie with truffles.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2031 and more for enthusiasts

Xavier Vignon, a leading expert in the Rhône Valley and trusted advisor to some of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most iconic estates, brings exceptional precision to every wine he crafts.

Praised by the renowned American critic Robert Parker, Xavier is a tireless explorer of the region’s finest terroirs, always seeking new potential in its most celebrated sites.

Known for his mastery of blending and winemaking, Xavier Vignon has become a go-to name for wine lovers who appreciate vibrant, fresh, and impeccably crafted wines. Continuously reinventing the southern Rhône, his distinctive style has earned the acclaim of top critics around the world.