Xavier Vignon 2022 Ventoux Rouge

The Xavier Vignon 2022 Ventoux Rouge is a vibrant and well-balanced southern Rhône red that captures the expressive fruit, spice, and Provençal character of its terroir. Medium-bodied yet layered, this wine pairs bright red and black fruit with savory herb nuance and lingering spice, offering immediate enjoyment with the structure to develop further in the bottle.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Xavier Vignon, a respected Rhône Valley winemaker known for blending expertise drawn from multiple premier estates, this Ventoux Rouge is crafted to reflect the distinctive qualities of the Ventoux AOC — a region shaped by warm Mediterranean sun tempered by cooling mountain breezes from Mont Ventoux.

Key production elements:

• Varietal Blend: Grenache and Syrah form the backbone, often joined by Mourvèdre or Cinsault to enhance spice, depth, and complexity.

• Terroir: Soils of limestone and clay with rolling hillsides that retain heat, promoting full ripeness while preserving freshness.

• Winemaking: Controlled fermentation with gentle extraction captures vibrant fruit and spice without harsh tannin.

• Aging: A period in neutral or seasoned oak enhances texture while preserving varietal purity and regional expression.

This approach results in a wine that feels both classic Rhône and approachable for everyday enjoyment.

Critics Reviews & Professional Impressions

Professional reviewers and Rhône specialists have responded positively to the 2022 Xavier Vignon Ventoux Rouge, placing it in the low-to-mid-90s range among critics for quality within its category:

• James Suckling — 92 / 100
  Suckling highlights bright red fruit, hints of spice, and smooth tannins, noting its ready approachability and flavor harmony.

• Wine Enthusiast — 91 / 100
  Wine Enthusiast emphasizes the vibrant fruit core and Provençal herbal accents, commending its balance and drinkability.

• Vinous — 90 / 100
  Vinous reviewers praise its clean red and black fruit profile, lively acidity, and integrated spice, seeing it as a dependable, expressive Ventoux Rouge.

Across these respected critics, the consensus places this release in the 90–92 point tier, underlining its expressive fruit, balance, and approachable structure for a classic Rhône red.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Aromas of juicy red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry are complemented by Provençal herbs (garrigue), cracked black pepper, and floral violet notes. Subtle spice and mineral hints add complexity.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and lively. Fresh red plum and raspberry carry through, joined by hints of black pepper, anise, and dried herbs. Silky, integrated tannins and steady acidity provide balance, while a touch of oak spice lends texture without overwhelming the fruit core.

Finish:
Clean, refreshing, and lingering. Red fruit, Provençal spice, and soft herbal echoes persist into a refined close that’s both food-friendly and satisfying on its own.

Quick Overview