The Brechet family purchased Domaine des Chenes in 2010. Lirac is located just across the Rhone river from Chateauneuf du Pape and represents excellent value, especially in the hands of Laurent Brechet. The vineyards have an altitude of 65 meters, grown in ancient riverbed soils with sand, clay & limestone with an average age of 30 years. The wines are vinified at Chateau Vaudieu in Chateauneuf du Pape.

Lirac’s proximity and analogous terroir are why so many vignerons make wines in both appellations. While it is fairly cost-prohibitive to buy land east of the river it is a much breezier proposition west of the river. Plateau des Chênes is comprised of 16 hectares on a plateau of red clay covered with galets.

A blend of Syrah and Grenache, made at Château de Vaudieu by Laurent Brechet with the advice of Philippe Cambie. Fermented in concrete tank, this silky and seamless expression of Lirac is aged for 18 months in 600-liter French oak demi-muids.