Winemaker Notes
A great match with casseroles, grilled red meats, charcuterie, game, cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Lirac Cuvee Reservee (that's the American label, elsewhere it's just labeled Lirac), a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault, is a terrific value for consumers looking for an authentic Southern Rhône. It’s medium to full-bodied, with scents of ripe cherries, licorice and cracked pepper. The tannins are a bit firm, but they add a pleasantly rough edge to the long, spicy finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Forward and plush, this full-bodied red offers ripe, primary flavors of summer plum and preserved cherry nuanced by subtle hints of bramble, dried mushroom and earth. It's a juicy, easy-drinking wine that's freshly balanced and framed by fine, lingering tannins. Enjoy now–2022.
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.