Lirac by Roger Sabon 2023

Description

A well-known name in Chateauneuf-du-Pape with a strong international reputation and a formidable range of impressive wines. The Domaine has vineyards on the classic pudding stone soils of the region (galets roulés). The vines are planted in some of the best sites of Châteauneuf – Les Cabrières, La Crau, Courthezon and Nalys which are a major reason for their flamboyant styling and power. The winemaking has been in the hands of the talented Didier Négron (whose wife is a Sabon) since 2004. After tasting the entire range of wines, including the top wine, we felt that the Cuvée Prestige and Lirac offered the best overall value and quality at a very reasonable price.

It is a family-run business that was established in 1952 by Roger Sabon. Today the estate is composed of an 18 ha vineyard on the eastern bank of the Rhône river in the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation scattered on 14 different plots. On the western bank, the vineyard includes 12 ha in the Lirac appellation, 6 ha in CDR and 14 in VDF. 

Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre dominate. The fermentation takes place in small cement vats and small stainless steel cuves, with pumping over and a cuvaison which lasts for 20 days at a temperature of between 30° and 34°.

Robert Parker has been a regular visitor and customer for over 20 years and said “The style here is a brilliant combination of the best traditional techniques married to a handful of modern nuances.”

There is everything to like about this exceptional, fruit fille and silky wine. Brilliant purple in colour, perfumed and floral on the nose, backed by delicate berry notes. Medium to full-bodied, it’s creamy and supple, with a long finish.

Drink with a nice leg of roast lamb and you won't go far wrong!