2008 Lirac la Dame Rousse
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Lirac La Dame Rousse, a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, reveals a dense ruby/plum color, seductive blackberry and cassis notes interwoven with hints of licorice, smoke, and earth, medium to full body, and a silky style. It is ideal for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Although the 2009 Tavel Rose La Reine des Bois is too expensive for this report ($34.00; rated 92 points), I mention it here because for two of the last three vintages it has been the finest dry rose I have tasted from France. However, the quality of the other Mordoree roses for a much lower price are so good, it is hard to justify the higher priced La Reine des Bois. Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; Fax (540) 722-9258
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
An even split of Grenache and Syrah from 40 year old vines, the 2008 Domaine de la Mordorée Lirac La Dame Rousse is a solid ’08 and yields plenty of pure blackberry and raspberry fruits, leather, and brambly flower notes that are supported by dusty earth and dried rock notes. Not as refined or elegant as the Reine des Bois, this has a medium bodied palate with a round, full texture, ripe fruit, and a clean finish. Whereas I think the Reine des Bois will easily last 10+ years, I think this should be consumed over the next 4 to 6 years.
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah . Bramble fruit on the nose. Sweet and juicy but with quite a firm grip and rather dry at the end. Not sure how this will come round. (JH)