2011 Domaine Maby Nessun Dorma

Lirac: The 'Little Chateauneuf' You Never Knew About.

If you have enjoyed our other offerings from the Southern Rhone, the wine's from Domaine Maby continue the same theme but up the ante in the value stakes. It seems difficult to imagine given the calibre of competition from the rest of the Rhone. Simply put, this is one of those delightful discoveries that are randomly experienced in a wine merchant's life that remind you why you drink wine.

The appellation of Lirac is just across from Chateauneuf du Pape on the right bank of the Rhone. Not surprisingly, it shares many features of its prestigious neighbour, such as weather patterns and geology, with the added benefit of a few of its own variances and nuances. While the vignerons of Chateauneuf excel in their use of powerful Grenache, their Lirac counterparts apply themselves to crafting structured, refined and elegant reds, as well as powerful Roses that can rival those of Bandol. This subtle shift in style is only possible by using the diversity of terroirs and varietals at their disposal, with the same quartz rocks found in Chateauneuf but also slopes covered with eroded limestone from the surrounding cliffs. Far from being the poor cousin to Chateauneuf, Lirac wines stand with their own individuality, and there is even a sense of rivalry between the appellations, with Lirac showing great pride in attracting more and more vignerons from Chateauneuf, aiming to produce different expressions of the Rhone varietals. If the wines of Lirac seem esoteric, it is in part due to the small size of the vineyard area as well as its relative 'seclusion' away from the main roads leading to the South of France.

Our continuing relationship with the Rhone's top viticultural consultant, Philippe Cambie, allows us to introduce his projects on a regular basis, as he takes on new consultancies with off the ground projects or even with well established Domaines, as is the case with Domaine Maby. Considered as one of the "locomotives" in Lirac , Domaine Maby has for long been at the forefront of modernisation in both the cellar and vineyards and are always pursuing new paths to further refine their style. We have narrowed their selection to two wines that we thought would best represent the region, the remarkable "Nessun Dorma" red the alluring "La Fermade" Rose. Their varietal compositions are a little different than what we are used to. We trust you'll find them as novel and appealing as we did. They represent another terrific discovery from the Rhone's vast patchwork of terroirs.

Powerful with a huge core of fruit demonstrating unbelievable richness and depth for its price. A killer value from this underdog appellation.

Opaque black dark crimson red colour with dark crimson red hue. Made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre perfumed scents of ripe raspberries, black cherries and liquorice arise from the glass with a meaty earth like underlay. Full bodied and super rich the palate delivers outstanding bang for your buck with an abundance of black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice flavours filling every corner of the mouth followed by some dried meats with a very spicy peppery back palate. The succulent joosy fruit is supported by solidly built yet perfectly integrated tannins. Very long black raspberry, black cherry, liquorice, spice and blackpepper aftertaste. A killer value.
Drink over the next 3-4 years. Alc 15%

Other reviews... A blend of 60% Mourvedre, 30% Syrah and 10% Grenache that was aged one-third in new barrels, the 2011 Lirac Nessun Dorma gives up an alluring bouquet of ripe black cherries, ground pepper, singed herbs and leather. Medium-bodied, refined and elegant, with a silky texture, it gains depth and richness with air, has fine tannin and good acidity. It's an impressive Lirac geared for drinking over the coming 4-5 years. Drink now-2019. This 60-hectare, family-run estate is located in Lirac and is managed by Richard and Natasha Maby. 90 points - Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate #209 Oct 2013