Alain Jaume Lirac Clos de Sixte, 2015

Located across the river to the west, Lirac often gets overlooked among other Southern Rhone appellations. It is a good source, though, of serious big-boned wines.

Bright ruby, deep and concentrated. Black cherries, raspberries, violets and spice. Big flavors, alcohol and ripe tannins on the mid-palate. 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre; a mix of traditional and modern winemaking; fermentation in stainless steel, concrete followed by 16 months in French oak.. A bold, concentrated wine. Right now, though, the tannins and alcohol (15%) are thoroughly in charge; I might be happier with this wine in three to five years.