Domaine de la Mordorée - Lirac and Châteauneuf
Started in 1986 by the Delorme brothers, Domaine de la Mordorée (woodcock) has become one of the top estates in the Rhône, with arguably the most consistent quality. Christophe Delorme's objective as a winemaker is to be unintrusive and maintain total respect for his terroir and the fruit it produces, striving to achieve a perfect balance between concentration, terroir and a feeling of unforced equilibrium in the wines.
The domaine consists of 60 hectares, on 38 different parcels, providing a wide range of soils and climates. They practice culture raisonnée, with minimum intervention in the vineyards, and as close as possible organic viticulture. Christophe's approach is so raisonnée that he has in fact pulled back from being fully organic (which the estate was, for over twelve years) because he was worried about the long-term effect of putting too much copper (in the form of copper suphate, a permitted treatment in organic viticulture) onto his vineyards.
The Chateauneuf is in high demand and may have to be allocated. Buyers taking other wines will take preference.
2010 LIRAC Cuvée de la Reine des Bois Blanc Domaine de la Mordorée
75cl bottles, case of 12
This wine is a white like Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ought to taste, but so rarely does. A very 'Châteauneuf' mixture of six grape varieties, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Roussanne,This wine is a white like Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ought to taste, but so rarely does. A very 'Châteauneuf' mixture of six grape varieties, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Marsanne gives a really opulent characterful southern white.L&S (Sep 2011)
2010 LIRAC La Dame Rousse Domaine de la Mordorée
75cl bottles, case of 12
Christophe Delorme's Syrah and Grenache blend tops the charts among the village Liracs by some way. Rich and packed with fruit this has the tell-tale 2010 silky feel and expressive brightness. TheChristophe Delorme's Syrah and Grenache blend tops the charts among the village Liracs by some way. Rich and packed with fruit this has the tell-tale 2010 silky feel and expressive brightness. The perfect foil for all your autumn game dishes, it's even got a woodcock on the label.L&S (Feb 2012)
2010 LIRAC Rouge Cuvée de la Reine des Bois Domaine de la Mordorée
75cl bottles, case of 12
An equal blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from forty year old vines, aged in a combination of oak barrels, foudres and stainless steel, this is Christophe Delorme's super-cuvée of Lirac whichAn equal blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from forty year old vines, aged in a combination of oak barrels, foudres and stainless steel, this is Christophe Delorme's super-cuvée of Lirac which is vastly superior to any other in the appellation. Red/black in colour with a massive fruit structure and rich tannins, nevertheless beautifully balanced and with a great future. L&S (Feb 2012)
2010 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Cuvée de la Reine des Bois Domaine de la Mordorée
75cl bottles, wood case of 6
Very 'modern' as ever, with a thickly juicy velvet feel. There is a background of oak evident, but there is just so much juice! Good acidity makes it racy despite the weight. Sensationally pure andVery 'modern' as ever, with a thickly juicy velvet feel. There is a background of oak evident, but there is just so much juice! Good acidity makes it racy despite the weight. Sensationally pure and long. While I was tasting this Christophe gave me an update on other vintages of this wine: 1998, 1999, 2000 are drinking now. 2001 can be drunk from now but there's no rush, 2003 is reserved but also good, 2004 drink, 2005 should be left. All more recent vintages still need keeping.L&S (May 2012)