2011 Lirac Clos de Sixte

The same blend and elevage as the 2012, the Grand Veneur 2011 Lirac Clos de Sixte offers up similar black cherry, leather and ground herb qualities as well as a medium-bodied, textured and easy-drinking profile on the palate. It scores high on drinkability and also offers solid complexity. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Drink now-2019. Covering 30 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape (over 100 acres in Cotes du Rhone, Lirac, Vacqueyras and Gigondas), Domaine Grand Veneur is run by the incredibly talented Sebastien and Christophe Jaume. The style here, if looked at as a whole, is more traditional than not, with plenty of tank and stainless steel, yet their Chateauneuf du Papes are distinctly modern and spent plenty of time in small barrels. However, they never lose their Southern Rhone typicity, have gorgeous purity and also possess balanced, age-worthy profiles. These are some of the most exciting wines coming out of the region and they should not be missed! Note: the estate bottlings are released under the Domaine Grand Veneur label, and the negociant wines are released under the Alain Jaume et Fils label. The 2012 whites from the Jaume brothers are incredibly strong. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228