Producer: Domaine Pelaquie  
Region: Lirac, Rhone, France  
Blend: 70% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre 
Year: 2018 

Retail Price: $18.00 
Our Price: $10.99*  

What is Lirac?  It's almost unknown region, even their own website lists Lirac as "a secret cru".  Lirac is the southernmost village in the Cotes du Rhone Region.  In 1947, it was granted status as a "Cru" in the same category as the famed Chateauneuf du Pape.  Lirac lies nearly due west from Chateauneuf, on the opposite side of the Rhone River.  Lirac is essentially the other half of the Chateauneuf du Pape.  Chateauneuf is famed for its soil and the heart of Lirac is matching some of the Chateauneuf soils.  Lirac can be produced at the same level as Chateauneuf.  But the region is tiny in comparison, which is why it's known as Rhone's undiscovered cru.  Lirac is considered a Chateauneuf du Pape look-alike.  If you're a fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but don't want to spend a fortune on a bottle, Lirac is a great alternative.  It's an appellation that can often capture the same aromatics and plush, languid texture that is found in Chateauneufs.  The Pelaquie family has been cultivating vines on the same Southern Rhone parcel since the mid-1500's.  It's been passed down from father to son for generations.  The current son in charge, Luc Pelaquie, has modernized the winery and produces some of the most elegant wines you'll find in Lirac.  The 2018 Domaine Pelaquie Lirac is an overachiever in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape look-alike contest.  It's full-bodied, powerful and expresses all the authenticity of the Lirac terroir.  This red wine is complex with notes of black fruit, spice, purple plummy fruit, white pepper and hot earth flavors.  It has fine tannins that fade way in a velvety, long finish.  Why buy Chateauneuf when this is yours for 1/3 the price?   Enjoy! 

There is no press here yet but for a feel for the house style here are reviews on the prior three vintages (spoiler alert - If you love Chateauneuf, this beauty, at this price, will blow you away!): 

Wine Advocate, 90 Points 

"A blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, all aged in stainless steel, Luc Pélaquié's 2015 Lirac is loaded with spice and garrigue. This medium to full-bodied wine is elegant and not at all overdone, with a core of roasted-cherry flavors enrobed in lovely notes of clove, cinnamon, pepper, thyme and bay. It should drink well for 5 years." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points 

"A blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre brought up all in tank, the 2016 Lirac is a deep, rich, beautifully satisfying Lirac. Blackberries, blueberries, cracked peppercorns, and crushed violet notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied 2016 that has moderate acidity, ample fruit, and a sexy texture. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years." 

Wine Advocate, 90 Points

"The medium to full-bodied Domaine Pelaquie 2017 Lirac starts with scents of black olive, but then those blend easily into red fruit flavors on the palate. Most impressive is the rich, velvety texture, which lingers elegantly through the long finish. This should drink well for 6-7 years." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"An intensive ruby color.  This cuvée reveals a full-bodied and powerful wine with fruits of the forest at the nose. A wine of beautiful line which expresses all the authenticity of the Lirac terroir.  Complex with notes of black fruit and spice.  Notes of purple plummy fruit, white pepper and hot earth flavors.  Fine tannins that fade way in a velvety, long finish.  Impressive wine with lots of concentration and complexity."   

Alcohol: 14.5% 

Sustainable farming.  

*Price and availability in store may vary. Discounts do not apply to wines like this one currently on sale.