From their certified biodynamic 20 acres, the 2010 Lirac Domaine de la Lorentine is composed of equal parts Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah. It has a dark ruby/purple-tinged color and fresh notes of blueberries, raspberries, a hint of Provencal herbs and damp earth. It is lively, medium-bodied and should drink nicely for 4-5 years. The crop yield was tiny in 2010 at Marcoux, like most of the estates in Chateauneuf du Pape that have considerable amounts of Grenache planted. The poor flowering of Grenache essentially reduced the final crop size by well over 30%. Given the fact that the Armenier family can trace their roots in Chateauneuf du Pape back to 1344, one could say that they may have even more experience than the Chaves up in the northern Rhone, which only go back to the late 15th century! Run for well over a decade now by sisters, Sophie and Catherine, this biodynamically administered estate of 42 acres produces some of the very finest, complex, and most natural wines not only in France, but anywhere in the world. Perhaps the wine that is most under the radar for consumers is their brilliant white Chateauneuf du Pape. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565