2015 Domaine Maby La Fermade

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.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre. Totally opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Elevated black raspberry and black cherry aromas combine with some liquorice, subtle incense infusions and spicy scorched earth. The full bodied palate is loaded with juicy black raspberry and liquorice flavours with spicy scorched earth and incense infusions finishing with a burst of blackpepper. A sturdy tannin structure provides some grip for the opulent fruit to hang on to. There’s a sense of chewiness to the mouthfeel with a long pepper infused aftertaste of black raspberries, liquorice, subtle scorched earth and spicy incense.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc 14.5%