Xavier Vignon - Côtes du Rhône Villages Arcane Le Soleil 2015
94/100
Robert Parker
93+/100
Jeb Dunnuck
93/100
James Suckling
"A sensational Côtes du Rhône that's better than most of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape from that vintage (Jeb Dunnuck)"
"Made from century-old Grenache vines (with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre in the blend) located primarily in the northern part of the Southern Rhône, the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Villages Arcane le Soleil spent 15 months in a mix of one-third new oak barrels, concrete tanks, and stainless steel tanks. This ink-black beauty offers a wonderful bouquet of blueberry, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets. Deep, full-bodied, incredibly pure, and elegant, with silky tannins, it is a sensational Côtes du Rhône that outshines most of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the same vintage.” (Jeb Dunnuck 2018)
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Eye
Almost-black dress
Nose
With aromas of red and black fruits, spices, and hints of garrigue
Palate
A full-bodied wine with supple tannins and a long finish dominated by black fruit and hints of zan
Serve
At 15-17°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2026
Food and Wine Pairings
Pairs well with game, red meats in stews, roasted or grilled, duck à l’orange, lamb tagine with apricots, charcoal-grilled rib of beef, aged cheeses...
Decanter
Rated Estate Recommended
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2017 guide) 94/100 (Outstanding wine)
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
The 2015 Côtes du Rhône Villages Arcane Le Soleil has a deep, fruity color, but it also features soft, silky tannins. It is full-bodied, but not overly so, and its palate is sensationally alluring. Black cherries define the fruit profile, complemented by notes of dark chocolate and just enough garrigue to give it a savory character despite the fruit. This is a blend from old vines consisting of 80% Grenache and 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged for 15 months in one-third new oak, with the remainder in concrete tanks or large casks. Perhaps the best Côte du Rhône Villages I’ve ever tasted, it seems to have the potential to age for another 10 years.
Jancis Robinson
Rated "Recommended"
James Suckling
Wine rated 93/100
Rated "Recommended"
About the wine:
This is a highly structured and concentrated wine, with intense, fresh aromas of red berries and cherries that come through in a concentrated, fresh, and lively style. An impressive wine. Enjoy it now or save it for later.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated (2018 guide) 93+/100
Rated "Recommended"
About the wine:
Made from century-old Grenache vines (with 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre in the blend) located primarily in the northern part of the Southern Rhône, the 2015 Côtes du Rhône Villages Arcane le Soleil spent 15 months in a mix of one-third new oak barrels, concrete tanks, and stainless steel tanks. This ink-black beauty offers a wonderful bouquet of blueberry, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violet. Deep, full-bodied, incredibly pure, and elegant, with silky tannins, this is a sensational Côtes du Rhône that outshines most of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the same vintage. It will be even better in a year or two and will age well for 8 to 10 years.
Customer Rating
3.9/5
based on 518 reviews
Review and opinion by Mr. LODEWIJK V. Published on September 6, 2025
I don't understand how those wine experts—including Parker—give it high scores of 93 and 94. This is a wine that's been over-extracted and lacks any refinement, even after 10 years of aging. And the 15% alcohol content doesn't help matters either.
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Review and comment by Mr. GERARD C. Published on August 2, 2025
Yeah, that's great. Palou should like it.
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Review by Mr. STEPHANE M. Posted on July 21, 2025
Meh, meh, meh—I feel like I got ripped off with reviews and ratings that, in my opinion, are total bullshit. First and last order.
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Review and comment by Mr. YANN M. Posted on June 23, 2025
A favorite at an affordable price.
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Review by Mr. FREDERIC B. Published on November 1, 2024
As always, a full-bodied and charming wine. Consistency is the hallmark of this winemaker, who always produces simple, clean, and appealing wines—though I sometimes wish there were a touch of fun!
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Review and opinion by Mr. GILLES D. Published on 10/29/2024
This illustrious “Le Soleil” vintage needs no introduction, being eminently appealing both for the aesthetic appeal of its presentation and the refinement of its wine. Everything has already been said about this wine’s intrinsic qualities. Therefore, I’ll simply add that the sun is shining with slightly less intensity than in the past and that, apparently, it is on the wane. Decant for at least 1 hour before enjoying a sumptuous lamb tagine with prunes. Rating = 4.
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Review and comment by Mr. MICHEL V. Posted on June 14, 2024
Truly excellent. This wine lives up to what I read in the description.
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Review by Mr. STEVE M. Posted on 12/15/2023
Good fruit and richness, but lacking vibrant acidity. This is a one-dimensional wine that deserves no more than a score of 90.
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Review and comment by Mr. ANTOINE M. Posted on 11/24/2023
4,0
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Review and rating by Mr. SEBASTIEN B. Posted on March 9, 2023
A classic, well-crafted wine from the southern Rhône Valley.
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