Winemaker Notes
Ruby red in color with a nose of red fruits. Flavors of spice on the palate with supple tannins lead to a long and rich finish.
This wine pairs well with red meats and cheeses.
Blend: 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of two-thirds Grenache Noir and one-third Syrah, the 2023 Lirac from Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine is a superb effort. It opens with a deep, complex bouquet of dark wild berries, black cherries, violet and licorice, complemented by subtle spice and a discreet touch of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s rich and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, layered textures and a harmonious mid-palate. Framed by velvety tannins, it concludes with a long, spicy and ethereal finish. This is a serious Lirac that will reward cellaring over the next decade or more.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A larger region between Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel, Lirac red wines resemble some of the best Cotes du Rhone Villages wines, while it’s rosés are akin to those of Tavel. The region’s quality whites, based on Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, are round and fruit-driven.