This 2009 Lirac overdelivers in every sense of the word. A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan, it reveals a dense ruby/purple color along with sweet black raspberry and black cherry fruit notes intermixed with notions of spring flowers and licorice. Full-bodied and concentrated, it should drink well for 5-6 years. This cuvee comes close in quality to such Lirac reference point wines as Domaine de la Mordoree’s Reine des Bois. Readers should note that this is not Madame Roussel’s top cuvee, the Lirac Les Muses, which is not included in this report as it exceeds the $25 price point.Domaine du Joncier is another southern Rhone estate with a woman in charge, in this case Marine Roussel. This up-and-coming, biodynamically farmed estate’s vineyards are planted on the alluvial soils of Galets Roulets that mimic many of the stony terraces of Chateauneuf du Pape a few miles to the north.Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Importer, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524; Fax (510) 528-7026.