Winemaker Notes
The purplish ruby color is followed by an expressive butterscotch, undergrowth and humus notes on the nose. The whole is completed by a full-bodied and spicy mouth with ripe tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Even better than his 2016 (!), the 2018 Lirac by Roger Sabon starts off perfumed and floral, backed by delicate berry notes. Medium to full-bodied, it's creamy and supple, with a long finish. Even after blind-tasting 40+ Liracs, I described this in my notebook as "electrifying stuff." It should drink well for close to a decade.
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.