Domaine de la Mordorée. (pic. Euan McKay)

Domaine de la Mordorée
Southern Rhone, Tavel
http://www.domaine-mordoree.com
Wine Maker: Christophe Delorme

The winemaker at the ecologically farmed Domaine de la Mordorée is 44 year old Christophe Delorme who has created an enormous reputation for his wines since creating the Domaine in 1986.

These are modern styled Rhône’s in the best sense of the phrase, combining brilliant low-yielding vineyards with traditional concrete tanks the influence of more modern influences such as French oak.

Tavel is the most famous quality Rosé in the world, & Lirac is an appellation with which Australian red drinkers should have an affinity. The QPR (quality:price:ratio) from Lirac is hardly bettered elsewhere in the vinous world.

”It is unlikely anyone could find a better-run estate than Domaine de La Mordorée. With 135 acres spread out through some impressive appellations, bio-dynamic farming, and a commitment to excellence that is as serious as anyone I’ve ever met, Christophe Delorme and his team continue to produce extraordinary wines whether whites, rosés or their portfolio of serious red wines.” Robert Parker Jnr.

Wine

2009 Lirac, blanc ‘Cuvee De La Reine Des Bois’
“This blend of 30% Grenache, 15% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, and the rest Marsanne, Picpoul, Clairette, and Bourboulenc exhibits beautiful sweet peach marmalade, honeysuckle, and white currant notes presented in an elegant, crisp, medium to full-bodied style with lots of zest and vibrancy. 91 points.’ Robert Parker Jnr.

2008 Cotes-du-Rhone, rosé ‘La Dame Rousse’
‘Spend a few dollars more and get a sensational 2008 Cotes du Rhone La Dame Rousse rosé a classic Provencal rosé offering copious quantities of sweet and sour cherries, framboise, spice, and flowers. 90 points.’ Robert Parker Jnr.

2008 Tavel, rosé ‘La Dame Rousse’
‘It is nearly as good as the fuller-bodied, headier, more complex 2008 Tavel La Dame Rousse rosé. A big-styled, dry, dramatic effort, it should drink well for a year. I haven’t reviewed it, but I did taste Mordoree’s 2008 Tavel La Reine des Bois rosé, the first vintage produced. At $37 a bottle, it must be one of France’s most expensive rosés, but it is an amazing wine. Should you come across a bottle, it’s worth trying. 90 points.’ Robert Parker Jnr.

2008 Cotes-du-Rhone, rouge ‘La Dame Rousse’
‘A ripe, forward, easy style, with tasty plum, cherry, violet and lavender notes. Silky finish. Drink now. 3,865 cases made. 87 points.’ Wine Spectator

2006 Lirac, rouge ‘La Dame Rousse’
‘Offers a nice mix of red berry, blackberry and blueberry fruit, with a beam of sweet spice and toast notes. Shows good grip and focus through the finish, where there’s a racy minerality. Should age well. Drink now through 2012. 90 points. Wine Spectator

2006 Lirac, rouge ‘Cuvée De La Reine Des Bois’
‘Very pure and focused, with dark currant and fig fruit held in check for now by a layer of suave, dark toast. Notes of espresso, mineral and aged tobacco flitter through the finish, but this needs time to unwind. Best from 2009 through 2013.91 points.’ Wine Spectator

2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvée De La Reine Des Bois’
‘The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Reine des Bois is one of the few wines of the vintage to rival the estate’s 2007 counterpart. I suspect Mordoree’s 2007 will put on more weight, but they have made one of the singular wines of the vintage in 2006. Performing far greater from bottle than it did last year from barrel, the 2006 boasts a dense purple color as well as an amazing bouquet of charcoal, blackberries, cherries, licorice, incense, and spring flowers. It hits the palate with a rush of full-bodied opulence and decadence with super-rich fruit, superb purity, a broad, layered, velvety-textured mouthfeel, and a stunningly long finish that lasts nearly 50 seconds. This is a great effort for a 2006! Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. 95+ points. Robert parker Jnr.

2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘La Plume du Peintre’
‘Not that it is easy to find or afford, but if you have sufficient wealth, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape La Plume du Peintre (100% old vine Grenache from La Crau) is out of this world. It is much more accessible and opulent than the behemoth 2003, but is still so concentrated that it will evolve for 40+ years. It is a rare, rare jewel of Chateauneuf du Pape. 99+ points.’ Robert parker Jnr.

Chateauneuf du Pape 'La Crau'. (pic. Euan McKay)