Domaine de la Mordorée 2015 'La Reine des Bois' Lirac Rouge

What happened to that rockstar Châteauneuf? Gone! Way fast.

But fear not, the day is saved by a Lirac…

Robert Parker claims that “Domaine de la Mordorée is a reference point estate for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Run by the talented brother duo of Fabrice and Christophe Delorme, with Christophe making the wines, they produce a relatively modern-styled Châteauneuf, as well as more than noteworthy Liracs… they are still the reference point for how profound Lirac can be. This has become an increasingly popular destination for producers from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as the soils are similar and the appellation is basically next door to Châteauneuf.”

Need more be said?

In sum, if you are remotely into Châteauneuf, especially with some age on it, look no further. A better value for the $34 you’re spending on this, drinking like a $100+ Châteauneuf just does not exist. Scoop up what you can, thank us later.

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Since the untimely death of Christophe Delorme last year, the winemaking at Domaine de la Mordorée has fallen to Rémy Chauvet, who was the cellar manager under Christophe for a number of years. Based on these 2015 barrel samples, the estate is obviously still in incredibly capable hands. Moving to the reds from Lirac, the estate releases two cuvées: the base la Dame Rousse and the flagship Cuvée de la Reine des Bois. The 2015 Lirac La Reine des Bois continues this estate’s mastery of the appellation, combining hints of vanilla with black cherry fruit in a full-bodied, richly textured and tannic wine. The blend is 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, with up to 15% being aged in barriques. Longtime readers will be happy to know that the 2010 (still youthful) and the 2006 (nearing maturity) are drinking well. Based on that, expect this vintage to drink well through at least 2030.”