2004 Domaine de la Mordoree Lirac ‘La Reine des Bois’

Everything about this Lirac rouge from Domaine de la Mordoree screams the Rhone. Dark and intensely perfumed, it’s packed with vibrant fruit that tastes now like blueberries, now like black cherries, with something wild and profound in the background. This is terrific winemaking from Christophe Delorme, a producer who comes on strong every year.

Enjoy it with a crown roast of pork, a prime rib, a grilled chop, steak or beef daube with olives. And it should go beautifully with the cheese.

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Quick swirl

Region: Rhone Valley

Price: About $30

Style: Vibrant and focused

Food it goes with: Roast pork, grilled chops or steaks, beef daube

Where you find it: Available at fine wine retailers.

-- S. Irene Virbila