2010 Lirac Clos de Sixte

In addition to these gorgeous Chateauneuf du Papes, Domaine Grand Veneur's 2010 Lirac Clos de Sixte is outstanding. It is a full-bodied, rich, textural wine with abundant blue and black fruits interwoven with garrigue and licorice. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. With impressive holdings in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape as well as an ever expanding, high quality negociant business, brothers Christophe and Sebastian Jaume have taken this estate, established in 1826, to new heights. The estate wines, which are sold under the Domaine Grand Veneur label, are classic, quasi-modern-styled Chateauneuf du Papes that represent brilliant examples of their impeccable viticulture and winemaking. Interestingly, all three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape were produced in 2011. That decision appears to be justified by the quality of what I tasted as well as their potential for extended maturity beyond a decade. As for the 2010s, the Alain Jaume offerings and the Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone cuvees were all reviewed in my report on the wines of Kysela Pere et Fils in Issue #201. The 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur estate wines, especially the Chateauneuf du Papes, are brilliant. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

One of the top wines of the appellation and a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre that’s aged for 14 months in 35% oak barrels, the 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Lirac Clos de Sixte has an almost cool climate feel with pure, detailed aromatics of bramble-laced blackberry, mineral, licorice, and spring flowers that literally soar from the glass. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully elegant on the palate, with a seamless, silky texture, fantastic freshness, and a focused, structured finish, this thrilling Lirac is approachable now with a decant, yet should benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and have upwards of 10-12 years of total longevity.

Very dark crimson. Very ripe, perfumed black cherry fruit with lively spice. Juicy and fluid on the palate. Tannins are there but in the background even now. (JH)