Love My Lirac

After wading through a few overpriced (Reserve!), mediocre (oak-aged!!) wines over the holiday weekend, I contemplated a bottle of Lirac for Sunday's mini smorgasbord.  I was not familiar with the producer (Château de Ségriès); nor was I familiar with the importer (Kysela).  Additionally, the bottle was bedecked with a few wine wordbites:

• Vigneron Independant
• Cuvée Réservée
• Non Filtré

Color me jaded, but when I encounter bottles tossing out these informational tidbits on the front of the label, I'm semi-frequently underwhelmed by what's inside.  On the bright side, I've had a bit of luck with 2001 Rhône valley reds.  Yes, they may be coming to the end of their bottle life, but some still have a little something left in the tank.  I decided to roll the dice and try my luck with Lirac.

Lirac is historically a rosé-producing appellation in France's Rhône valley.  It's situated to the north of Tavel (also famous for rosé), and to the southwest of Chateauneuf-du-Pape (made famous by popes & New York MCs).  One interesting historical note is that, in the 18th Century, the river port of Roquemaure, now part of the Lirac Appellation, regularly shipped wine to both England and Holland.  At the time it was actually more important to the world of wine than its neighbor across the river, Chat-du-Pape.

The Skinny
Château de Ségriès Lirac AOC 2001 ($17)

• A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Carignan [13.5% alcohol]
• Medium ruby in color fading to an orange-copper rim
• Delicate scents of orange, savory herbs, licorice, leather and lavender
• Medium-bodied with a slightly earthy/chalky mouthfeel.  Flavors of orange marmelade and red cherry; accented by earth and leather notes.  The finish is lenghty, and slightly hot - but quite pleasant

***.5 (3.5 stars out of 5)

This wine does seem to be approaching the tail end of its life.  Yet Ch. de Ségriès was still enjoyable and flexible with a variety of flavors (white bean puree, onion crostini, kielbasa).  the current vintage (2003) has garnered some Parker (and Dias Blue) points, and thus I'm curious to compare the 2001 and 2003 versions of this lovely Lirac.  Drop a comment if you've tried any recent vintage of this wine.

Comments

[RichardAB]

I have always loved Lirac wine. It is very hard to find here in the USA and I have only seen it from 2 producers. When I travel to Paris I always get a bottle of good Lirac to keep in my room. I have seen it made by Domaine La Fond and Segries. If you are looking for other suppliers, try winesearcher.com.

[Ian]

Just opened a bottle of the 2007. I like Segries (although I share your thoughts about "red flags" on the label) and in a good vintage, a Lirac can easily be mistaken for a C. de P. And 2007 was a VERY good vintage throughout the southern Rhone. Anyway, it's still a little young, but it opened up nicely after 2-3 hours in the air. I'll be keeping another couple of bottles in the cellar for a few years.

[Coach Outlet store Online]

Do U know what's the fashion trend in the beginning of the winter?Coach Outlet Online are ready for the fashion trend bags for U.In the cold winter,many fashion trend begin to changed like the strongly wind.At the fashion world, fashion trend has become the opiate of the masses.In general, fashion seems to be trending toward more mature styles.And on that basic,Coach Outlet Online Store do atmost to develop the fashion style,which can give U the Noble and elegant.Leather is really in fashion right now. It's amazing how fast trends change.In Coach Factory Outlet,Coach put to use the 100% leather with the leader design,which give U the fresh and classical ideas.To this end, we will service for customer sincerely, to build the forefront of Coach Outlet bags.Now,Coach bags origin from life,which made the bags always follow the international fashion, the exotic romance into your life.So,if U want to have a different kind of fashion life,please Checkin Coach Outlet Online,Coach Outlet and so on,they will try the best to make up U in the warm winter.If you are worried about how to be a grace and clever person?Where to buy the fashion bags to match the clothes? and so on.Don't worry,Coach Outlet Onlinegive U a hand.Coach bags with different styles can match different kinds of persons,Which can give U a different feeling for Different people.Coach Outlet service for U sincerely!Come into Coach Outlet Online Store,come out a fresh U.

[Louis Vuitton on sale]

Louis Vuitton On Sale with the Fashion and classical styles have been the the first choose in Oscar for the fashion stars.In Louis Vuitton Handbags Store many selected classical fashion bags have been displayed in Louis Vuitton Outlet Store for a big show by the fashion world.Louis Vuitton Outlet is famous for selected material material,novel design,delightful colors and exquisite workmanship.At the same time,the Louis Vuitton Bags from Louis Vuitton On Sale with the only hand made have become the token of status by Louis Vuitton Handbags Store,which attract the first-class society to be the fans of Louis Vuitton Handbags to pursuit the latest fahion bags.Counterparts, Louis Vuitton Outlet Online have been the stars for all kinds of bags.In the fashion world,Louis Vuitton bags in Louis Vuitton Outlet beyond doublt that many people are crazing about the bags from Louis Vuitton On Sale.In order to meet the market's demands and thanks for the public,Louis Vuitton Handbags Store would give public a big surprise to give your needs.At first,Louis Vuitton Outlet Online will have a big discount for the newly iaunched bags which have the best quality lowest price.Second,Louis Vuitton Outlet Online will open the biggest fashion show to the public for the most classical style on display.If you are interested in the Louis Vuitton bags in Louis Vuitton Handbags,pls take this chance to be the lucky person for the fashion.Don't miss this chance.Louis Vuitton On Sale sincerely service for you.