Domaine de la Mordorée : La Reine des Bois Lirac Rouge 2023

The 2023 Lirac La Reine des Bois is showing beautifully today. A blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre in undisclosed proportions, it opens with a perfumed bouquet of lavender, lilac, rose petals and spring flowers, mingled with delicate spice tones that reflect its ripe maturity. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s more structured than La Dame Rousse, with velvety but assertive tannins and a fleshy core of fruit. The finish is long and penetrating, marked by notes of garrigue, dried herbs and a saline touch. Matured in used barrels that previously held white wine, it’s a serious, characterful Lirac built for aging.

The nose shows blackberry notes, very ripe and juicy, as if fresh from the bush. There’s a good amount of chewy, ripe tannin, balanced acidity, and a touch of graphite to the texture on the finish. Everything is in its place here to produce an excellent Lirac.

40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah. Certified organic and biodynamic (Demeter). Aged 85% in stainless-steel tank, 15% in barriques. Tank/cask sample. Tasted blind. Appealing and inviting nose with a slight smoke-and-gravel note. Attractive and rich with liquorice and spice – fine tannins and a layered, dense finish. Already drinking well yet will age gracefully. (AC)