Domaine de Marcoux Lirac La Lorentine 2020

Marcoux’s biodynamically farmed Lorentine vineyard lies in the heart of the Lirac appellation on the red clay, limestone and galet soils of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres (in the valley of Balouvière). Over many years, the Armeniers have been slowly peeling back the layers of Lirac’s neglected terroir, restoring life to the soils through cultivation and organic/biodynamic practice, and producing wines worthy of this appellation’s excellent terroir. The 2020 is a blend of Grenache (50%) and equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre, fermented using wild yeasts and raised for 15 months in concrete and old wooden barrels.

This is brilliant. A pure fruited, perfectly balanced wine, it has both terrific intensity and wonderful finesse. Expect a fine, almost Northern Rhône-like weight in the mouth, with layers of tender berry fruit, baking spice and stony minerality. There’s something pretty from the Syrah and something deep and inky from the Mourvèdre—but above all there is great class. A bargain from a great year that should not be missed by Rhône lovers.