Winemaker Notes
Blend: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% each Mourvedre and Carignan, the 2012 Lirac is a lightly textured, elegant and finesse-driven effort that exudes sweet kirsch, raspberry and spice aromas and flavors. It has the vintage's rounded, supple style and will drink well over the coming 5-6 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.