For many of you, I think we are past the “What is Lirac? And why should I buy it?” phase. We’re onto the “Wow, that’s some good juice and an incredible value for world class Rhone…” phase.

So I will put my spiel about Lirac after the order button and get right to the wine…

Marcoux Lorentine Lirac 2019

Sale $29.99

Not reviewed - 92-94 pts Wine Advocate for 2018

Another legendary Chateauneuf producer expanding into Lirac. If you need more proof that Lirac is the hottest property in the Rhone, look no further. This has been a long time coming, as the vineyard was so neglected and “poisoned” with chemicals, it took many years to convert it to organic. Now that it is healthy, the wine being produced is exceptional! And unique, thanks to the super high proportions of Mourvedre (50%) and Syrah (40%). The Syrah adds a stony raciness to the wine, while the Mourvedre adds muscle and meatiness. There’s loads of smoky black fruit at the core, along with peppery herbs on the long, rich finish. A real change of pace from Grenache-dominated blends! This reminds me of a young Beaucastel Chateauneuf… at half the price!

“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.”

Reply to order. 

Lirac is the southernmost village in the Cotes du Rhone region. But this is no mere Cotes du Rhone. In 1947, it was granted status as a “Cru” in the same category as the famed Chateauneuf du Pape. But the connection, and comparison, to Chateauneuf runs deeper – well, it runs as deep as the soil… You see, if you look at a map, Lirac lies nearly due west from Chateauneuf, on the opposite side of the Rhone River, about exactly the same distance from the river and the same elevation. So? So… hello? It’s the soil that makes the wine – and Chateauneuf is famed for its soil that resulted from the Rhone River washing quartz pebbles and clay down from the Alps. The heart of Lirac is composed of the same soil from the same geological age.  

“Okay, Todd. I can see where you’re going… but really? I should believe Lirac is of the same caliber as Chateauneuf du Pape? Then why haven’t I heard of it?”

Fair questions. Yes, Lirac can be produced at the same level as Chateauneuf. But the region is tiny in comparison. In 2013, Chateauneuf du Pape produced 623% more wine than Lirac! When you slice and dice the numbers, approximately only 9,625 cases of Lirac came into the United States last year.