Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Decanter
Sweet and opulent, this is really rather yummy with abundant notes of blueberry, thyme, blackcurrant, spice and olives. Very dense, textured, saline and toothsome; powerful but very drinkable. Great development potential.
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship is the 2017 Lirac La Reine Des Bois, a Mourvèdre-heavy blend that includes 30% each of Syrah and Grenache. Its deep purple color is followed by stunning notes of blackberries, cassis, graphite, earth, and peppery herbs. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated, and voluptuous, it has no hard edges, remarkable purity, and a blockbuster finish. It's a decidedly sexy, forward, opulent wine from this estate to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Not yet bottled at the time of my visit, but the 2017 Lirac La Reine des Bois was blended. It's 40% Syrah and 30% each Grenache and Mourvèdre, with 10% aged in barriques and the rest kept in tank. There is a slight cedary note and hints of baking spices, but the focus is on layers of plush, ripe fruit. Cherries—both red and black—mark the full-bodied, velvety-textured palate, lingering on the long finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. Rating: 91-93
-
James Suckling
Very impressive structure and depth here; this has attractive, filled-out red and dark plums, as well as a bold, juicy serving of supple tannin. From organically grown grapes. Drink over the next six years.
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.