For his Cairanne, Vignon holds the Grenache (55%), Syrah (20%), and Cinsault (5%) in cold storage until he's able to harvest the Mourvèdre (15%) and Marselan (5%), then ferments them all together. The 2019 Cairanne offers bright notes of red raspberries and even strawberries, plus deeper notes of black cherries, all framed by silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied, it's another terrific effort from Vignon, whose entire 2019 lineup looks very solid.

A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% each Cinsault and Mourvèdre (the Cinsault component was added since last year's tasting), the 2017 Cairanne features hints of peppermint and anise layered over blackberry fruit. Full-bodied and creamy, it's concentrated and dark-fruited, with a long, spice-driven finish.

Flowering garrigue notes bring a lovely touch to the full-bodied 2016 Cairanne. This is plush and creamy in texture, rich and warm, with a supple finish that suggests early drinking. Don't be tempted to hold it past another few years.

A new addition to the portfolio and from very old vines, the 2015 Cairanne looks to be outstanding, with terrific notes of lavender, garrigue and flowers grounded by a core of darker berry fruit. Rich, seamless and downright polished, it’s a no-brainer purchase that will offer tons of pleasure through 2025. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, aged all in concrete tanks.