The Lirac 2009 Clos de Sixte may look expensive, but this is a sensational wine capable of lasting for a decade or more. A blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and the rest Mourvedre, the wine has a dense purple color, a big, sweet kiss of garrigue, blackberries, kirsch, barbecue smoke, damp earth, and wild strawberries. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins as well as real opulence and power, this is a big, fleshy Lirac that should evolve beautifully for up to a decade or more. Great bargains continue to emerge from Domaine Grand Veneur as well as from their negociant arm of the business, labeled Alain Jaume.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

Filled with wonderfully ripe fruit, yet fresh and floral in character, this is a top example of Lirac. Black cherry fruit forms the core, supported by firm acids and tannins and accented by hints of licorice on the long finish. Drink now-2020.——J.C.(10/1/2010)—— 92

The 2008 Lirac Clos de Sixte displays some of the vintage’s shortcomings, although it is a very good wine. A blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre, it is a fully mature red revealing a lot of earthy, peppery, spicy notes intermixed with a sandy/leafy component. The wine possesses good ripeness, a dark ruby color, and round tannins, but the fruit is pushed to the back by the spice and garrigue characteristics. I would suggest drinking it over the next 2-3 years. Grand Veneur is one of the most brilliant estates in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as the force behind the negociant wines sold under the Alain Jaume label. Virtually everything they produce has merit. Some of this estate’s 2009 red wines are just hitting the market as they are bottled early to preserve their fruit and freshness. I can’t say enough about the job Alain Jaume’s two sons, Sebastian and Christophe, have done with this estate. The impeccable attention to detail in the vineyards, the meticulous vinification, and the careful bottling benefit every consumer.Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; Fax (540) 722-9258