2003 Lirac Reine des Bois

A lovely wine. Perfumed, interesting, ripe but not fat fruit. Racier than most southern 2003 Rhône whites (JR)

Equivalent to many of the better Chateauneuf du Papes is the 2003 Lirac Cuvee de la Reine des Bois. Equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the wine has a dense purple color and a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, crushed rocks, and white flowers. Fabulous intensity, richness and length all make for a remarkable wine to drink over the next 5-8 years. (The 1998 is still drinking beautifully.) Feb 2006, www.robertparker.com