Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Lirac La Lorentine is another successful vintage, dominated by scents of purple raspberries and hints of garrigue and blueberries. Full-bodied and richly textured, it's a blend of foudre-aged Syrah and tank-aged Grenache and Mourvèdre, all grown on largely calcareous soils. It should drink well for at least a decade. Best after 2023
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Wine Spectator
Fresh and pure, with a lovely beam of cassis, melted red licorice and gentle roasted alder notes gliding through in unison. Finishes with a nice tug of warm earth. Drink now.
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.