Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape (first vintage 2007) is a plush style made from a blend of Grenache (typically 55%), mourvèdre (35%) and Shiraz (10%). The wine is assembled from up to 120 component so its exact makeup can vary from year to year. Dark fruits, pepper and spice and herbal notes are all up-front and the wine can be consumed young. Grenache typically comes from 90+ year old vines and mourvèdre from 75+ year olds. The shiraz and mourvèdre is matured in a combination of new and one and two-year-old barriques and the Grenache in large, old oak barrels. Xavier Vignon, based in the Rhône, is an influential and sought-after consultant with experience in Australia, New Zealand and U.S. as well as, in France, Alsace, Champagne and Bordeaux (St-Emilion).