2016 Plateau des Chênes
Lirac Rouge
On sale for $17.99 per bottle
The red wines of the Southern Rhone Valley regularly demonstrate and celebrate their sunny, warm origins proudly and more often than not, successfully. These accessible wines are so pliant and generous that it is easy to take their great value and friendly nature for granted. However, as with all wine regions and styles, we are bound to encounter true standouts from the zone that remind us of the greatness and consistency of their category.
The 2016 Plateau des Chênes Lirac is composed of fruit sourced from 30 year-old Syrah and Grenache vines, with the former (Syrah) representing a greater portion of the blend. The soils of the Lirac appellation feature clay and limestone along with the pebbly “galet” stones also found in nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Offering aromas of dark red and black fruit along with a hint of anise, the 2016 Plateau des Chênes announces it’s Provencal nature immediately. The palate is full but in a relaxed manner, all of the dark fruit nicely rounded by several years of bottle age. The finish is long, persistent and reiterates all of the wine’s plushness of fruit with a fresh acid component that creates an overall sense of harmony.
This red is nothing short of sumptuous and will please those in search of a wine that provides bold fruit and warm, enveloping texture. If you can’t tell…I dig this bottling quite a bit.
We have ten cases available @ $17.99 per bottle, please let me know of your interest.
Thank you as always,
Ian.
Ian Stalfort
French Paradox Wines
410-413-1630