Domaine de Marcoux Lirac La Lorentine 2019
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Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
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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.
Other Vintages
2018-
Robert
Parker -
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Robert
Parker -
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Robert
Parker -
Jeb
Dunnuck
In 1990, the Domaine became the first in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape to implement biodynamic farming practices. Their youngest vines are 40 to 60-years-old, and in short, the sisters do as little as possible to the harvested grapes. This domaine, as critic Stephen Tanzer put it, is "the essence of Chateauneuf-du-Pape."
In 2003, Robert Parker named Sophie and Catherine on his list of "Wine Personalities of Year," writing, "Over the last 12 years, the biodynamically farmed vineyard has risen to the top of Chateauneuf-du-Pape's quality hierarchy. The two red wines produced have been stunning, with the regular cuvée of Chateauneuf-du-Pape one of the finest in the appellation, and the limited production Cuvée Vieilles Vignes one of the world’s truly magnificent wines."
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.