Perfumed and direct, with violet, crushed plum, macerated cherry and graphite notes that are silky, fresh and nicely framed by softened tannins. Closes with a whiff of mesquite. Drink now. 915 cases made, 112 cases imported.??–KB??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Lirac Select to Add

Fresh and pure, with a lovely beam of cassis, melted red licorice and gentle roasted alder notes gliding through in unison. Finishes with a nice tug of warm earth. Drink now through 2024. 900 cases made, 168 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Lirac Select to Add

While this domaine was purchased in 2003 by the Armenier and Canto families, with Canto family managing the vintages and the Armenier sisters making the wines, the Canto family sold thier shares in 2010, and the estate is now completely run by the team at Marcoux. The 2013 Domaine Lorentine Lirac (40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre aged 12 months in concrete tank) has more minerality and dark fruit than the straight C?tes du Rh?ne, with pretty kirsch, blueberry, ground herbs and licorice nuances all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, pure, fresh and possessing the hallmark elegance and seamlessness of this estate, it's an excellent 2013 to drink over the coming 4-5 years.

A great Lirac, the 2012 Lirac Domaine de la Lorentine is comprised of 50% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre. Aged all in stainless steel, with a pure, fresh and focused profile, it offers up plenty of raspberry fruit, crushed flowers and underbrush aromas with a medium-bodied, elegant texture on the palate. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2014-2020. Located in the northern part of the appellation and covering more than 40 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, this impeccably run estate is managed by Sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier. The winemaking here is a mix of both traditional and modern techniques, with Grenache seeing mostly concrete tank and stainless steel, and Syrah and Mourvedre both seeing time in smaller barrels. Complete destemming, pump overs as opposed to punch downs, and inoculation are all the norm here. In addition to these fantastic new releases, don't miss the 2010s from this estate. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The bright cherry sauce and red licorice flavors are backed by a fruitcake note, offering a polished, silky finish. Drink now through 2014. 168 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Lirac Select to Add