Winemaker Notes
Pairs well with red meats, grilled meats, game and cheeses.
Blend: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Moving to the reds from Lirac, the estate releases two cuvées: the base la Dame Rousse and the flagship La Reine des Bois. The 2015 Lirac la Dame Rousse is a top effort from this appellation that has classic, mineral-laced aromas and flavors of blackberries, mulberries, crushed rocks, graphite and peppery herbs. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, it has lively acidity, notable tannic grip and plenty of length on the finish, all suggesting it will evolve nicely.
Range: 90-92
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.