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Domaine du Joncier, Lirac, Regard, 2016

About 65% Syrah with 20% Grenache, 15% made up of Cinsault and Carignan. That high proportion of Syrah makes this more black-fruited and sophisticated than many southern Rhones. Big, but velvety, youthful but smooth, with tannins for keeping too. Now-2023

Marine first adopted organic viticulture many years ago, then bio-dynamics, and from the 2011 vintage all her wines have been certified as both. She is absolutely confident of the benefits: she feels her vines are healthier and stronger, more resistant to disease and drought. As proof she harvests a good crop even in difficult years. She also thinks bio-dynamism brings more grace and elegance to her wines. 

It’s worth pointing out that the land in Lirac is by no means homogenous. Marine’s vineyards are on the best terroir, marked by the same "galets roulés" as those of Châteauneuf just across the Rhône.