The first reviews for the new Etienne releases are in, and they are exceptional. 97 pts might be the highest ever for the Lirac region. Our offer includes: 2024 Etienne “Essen”, 2024 “Coronati” reserve, and our rare, one-time 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape. Available in 3 and 6 bottle packs
We waited a bit before sending these wines to critics. The 2023 Etienne Châteauneuf-du-Pape shows the immediate charm of the vintage, but the two 2024 Etienne Lirac bottlings are more muscular and structured than their predecessors. In our own tastings, they open beautifully with time, especially after 24 to 48 hours. And they certainly wowed the critics…
A substantial wine with soul and energy that first defined our Coronati. It is deeper, more layered expression with denser fruit, more savory nuance, and a sense of quiet authority beneath the exuberance.
97 pts Somm Journal
“Produced only in the best vintages from 60-year-old vines, this blend of 65% Syrah, 23% Grenache with percentages of Carignan and Mourvèdre shows exceptionally well. Its color is an invitation of brick and garnet leading to a profile of powdered cocoa that coats the teeth. Silk and suede tannins caress violets and juicy purple plum with a dousing of generous black cherries. There’s a savory seam beneath the sun-warmed blackberry center – leather and cured meats – both rustic and refined.”
Grenache shines through in this Rhone blend. Purity, freshness, and grace.
93 pts Somm Journal
“From winemakers Adam Lee, Morét-Brealynn Chavez, and Sasha Verhage, this is a blend of 80% Grenache, 16% Syrah, and 4% co-fermented Carignan/Mourvèdre from 60-year-old vines. Clove and white pepper, along with dusted cherry-cocoa, offer a slight astringency. Acidity is fresh, with baking spices surrounding earth and herbal tones. All in all, a fascinating red that possesses superb food-pairing abilities. Fittingly, the word Essen translates from German as ‘to eat’ or ‘food.’”
2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Made from a sandy, north-facing, old vine plot, this Grenache based blend has lift and perfume. Red fruits, violets, and spice, and graceful elegance. Made only once; 125 cases.
94 pts Somm Journal
“The Grenache-based red blends in 9% Mourvèdre from sandy soils, aged in used French oak barrels for 19 months. Bold dark plum and garrigue align with earthy spices, layered with undertones of leather, truffle, and linear minerality. Toasted mocha smooths out its velvety frame from mid-palate to finish.”
EXCLUSIVE OFFER:
’24 Essen
’24 Coronati
’23 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
As highlighted in Kristen Bieler’s recent Wine Spectator feature, Lirac is energizing the Southern Rhone offering impressive wines with bold character yet more lift and freshness—making the pairing of these two cuvées a natural dialogue.
