Winemaker Notes
Enjoy with cold cuts (delicatessen), red meat, game and cheese
Blend: 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This is where the domaine's reds start to get exciting. The 2015 Lirac is a bigger, sturdier effort than the 2014. It exhibits aromas of cola and spice, then eases into plummy flavors on the full-bodied palate. It's rich and velvety in texture, with some peppery spice on the finish. It should drink well for up to 10 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.