2020 LIRAC, Lorentine, Domaine de Marcoux. S Rhone

Lirac is one of several southern Rhône villages considered consistently good enough to be allowed to use its own name on the label, rather than the catch-all term ‘Côtes du Rhône’. It is also one of the few appellations on the west side of the river, but (as the crow flies) it is only about 15km from the renowned town of Châteauneuf du Pape.

The words of UK agents BBR:
“Sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier have elevated Marcoux to the very highest ranks. Today Sophie diligently runs the winery, while her son Vincent looks after the vineyards. There are 25 hectares in total, with 18 hectares right in the heart of the prime Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir of La Crau plateau with the rest in Lirac and the other Côtes du Rhône villages. Certified as organic by Ecocert as early as 1991, this year marks three decades of rigorous organic and then biodynamic principles.”

92-94 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “A blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 40% Syrah and 10% Grenache, the 2018 Lirac La Lorentine combines notes of cola, plums, blueberries and black olives on the nose. It’s full-bodied, concentrated, silky and long, with a hint of licorice on the finish. It’s a damn good-looking Lirac.”