Plateau des Chenes Lirac Rouge 2015
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Lirac Plateau des Chênes is a modern, somewhat oaky example of the appellation, but it does combine wonderfully pure cherry fruit with vanilla and cedar, leaving some woody tannins in its wake. Drink this medium to full-bodied blend of Grenache (75%) and Syrah (25%) over the next 5-8 years.
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Wine Spectator
Offers a fleshy feel, with dark plum and raspberry coulis flavors racing along, lined with subtle graphite and black tea notes. Shows a dusting of cocoa at the very end. Solid. Drink now through 2021.
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Jeb
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Robert
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Robert
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Robert
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Much attention is given to the land and environment. The methods they employ are strictly based on little to no intervention. It is the land that speaks and expresses its identity through each of the wines. In fact, some of the best vineyards are isolated among select vintages to express absolute purity in that renowned vintage.
The work of the Chateau is based on the fact that an entire year contributes to the collection of a vintage should be sound and of the highest quality. Therefore, the sustainable approach produces a low yield, promoting longevity and favoring a natural harmony – again, a restrained intervention.
The grape is the messenger of its environment and conveys the aromas that it amassed during its maturation. By a strict selection, only the most beautiful grapes enter the doors of the cellar. Then, each grape variety, environment and soil type combine to dictate the vinifcation method. Vinification adaptation is influenced and crafted with each vintage. The result is wine that exhibits the greatest purity and sincerity.
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 long and narrow valley producing flavorful red, white, and rosé wines, the Rhône is bisected by the river of the same name and split into two distinct sub-regions—north and south. While a handful of grape varieties span the entire length of the Rhône valley, there are significant differences between the two zones in climate and geography as well as the style and quantity of Rhône wines produced. The Northern Rhône, with its continental climate and steep hillside vineyards, is responsible for a mere 5% or less of the greater region’s total output. The Southern Rhône has a much more Mediterranean climate, the aggressive, chilly Mistral wind and plentiful fragrant wild herbs known collectively as ‘garrigue.’
In the Northern Rhône, the only permitted red variety is Syrah, which in the appellations of St.-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and Côte-Rôtie, it produces velvety black-fruit driven, savory, peppery red wines often with telltale notes of olive, game and smoke. Full-bodied, perfumed whites are made from Viognier in Condrieu and Château-Grillet, while elsewhere only Marsanne and Roussanne are used, with the former providing body and texture and the latter lending nervy acidity. The wines of the Southern Rhône are typically blends, with the reds often based on Grenache and balanced by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and an assortment of other varieties. All three northern white varieties are used here, as well as Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourbelenc and more. The best known sub-regions of the Southern Rhône are the reliable, wallet-friendly Côtes du Rhône and the esteemed Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Others include Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the rosé-only appellation Tavel.