Xavier Vignon Ventoux Rouge is made from 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.Deep dark ruby with crimson reflects, the wine offers on the nose some hints of black fruits, Provencal spices and garrigue. The mouth is ample with a great freshness yet some concentration. Medium finish with hints of red and black fruits. The rest of the blend was aged in concrete to preserve the fruit purity.Some grapes (Grenache Syrah) are co-fermented for more complexity. A small batch of extremely old Syrah has been aged in barrel.Most of the time, Ventoux offers superb climatic conditions especially in the higher altitude parcels. In 2016 for instance, grapes were harvested in a perfect sanitary state. Both technological and polyphenolic ripeness were close to perfect. Spicy Pork ribs - Satay chicken skewers - Valencian Paella - Steamed sea eel with black soya and garlic Review: Dense, fruit-driven and textural red from Ventoux. Cassis, dark cherries, blackberries and dried violets on the nose. Medium to full body with fine tannins. Juicy and fruity with a velvety core of berries and spices in the finish. Drink or hold. bJames Suckling