Winemaker Notes
Blend: 50% Grenache noir, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A year in, year out success, the 2014 Lirac Clos de Sixte has lots of framboise and strawberry notes to go with a medium to full-bodied, supple, forward and sweetly fruited profile on the palate. Made from 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre that was raised in a combination of stainless steel and smaller barrels, it has fine tannin and an already delicious, hard to resist style.
Range: 88-90
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.