Domaine de la Mordoree

The 2010 Reine de Bois is an outstanding success, every bit as good to my mind as the past glories of 2009, 2007 and 2001. Christophe describes it, somewhat whimsically, as an aristocratic diamond. There is certainly regality and precision here; the typical notes of graphite, raspberry coulis and bay are complemented by a fine filigree of tannins and an impeccable balance, with hints of lavender and garrigue adding a pleasing meridional twist.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

The Delorme brothers have, since 1986, forged an enviable reputation. They are based to the south-east in the village of Tavel, celebrated for its rosé wines, but they also own 4 hectares of vines on the Crau plateau of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a very well-positioned parcel in Lirac. Christophe is adamant that 2010 is their best ever vintage; the key to its quality is the juxtaposition of trademark concentration and very fine tannins, much finer, he maintains than in 2007 or 2009, both highly successful years of course. Mordorée are aiming for full organic certification in 2013, aided in no small measure by the new member of the team…Sarko the horse…(at least I think that this is the name they gave!)

Christophe uses no oak in this excellent Lirac, something of a surprise when one considers its weight and complexity. The blend is shared equally between Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre ; the plaudits are shared equally between elegance, power and finesse, an impressive combination from an impressive wine. Fresh raspberries, fine tannins and real energy.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

The Delorme brothers have, since 1986, forged an enviable reputation. They are based to the south-east in the village of Tavel, celebrated for its rosé wines, but they also own 4 hectares of vines on the Crau plateau of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a very well-positioned parcel in Lirac. Christophe is adamant that 2010 is their best ever vintage; the key to its quality is the juxtaposition of trademark concentration and very fine tannins, much finer, he maintains than in 2007 or 2009, both highly successful years of course. Mordorée are aiming for full organic certification in 2013, aided in no small measure by the new member of the team…Sarko the horse…(at least I think that this is the name they gave!)

The Queen of the woods is on top form in 2012; Titania meets Maid Marion. The blend here is 80/10 Grenache/Mourvèdre, with the balance shared between Syrah, Counoise and Vaccarèse.  The majority of the vines are located on the famous pebbly Crau plateau, and the ageing is shared between oak and enamel tank. Complexity is immediately evident with notes of hearth-side, sousbois and game completing the richly and fleshy core. The House style rehearses power and long-term potential.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

Being based on the other side of the river (in Tavel) has in no way impeded the progress of the Delorme brothers, who make excellent and highly-valued Châteauneuf-du-Papes. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that both their Tavel and their Lirac are also superb. The Tavel Rosé does not feature in our En Primeur offer, but the 2012 is available to buy ‘landed’ and is highly prized.

This is a big, muscular wine with dark, broody cassis and a vast palate of multi-layered fruit and spice. No wonder Robert Parker Jnr rated this so highly, this has all the facets I would associate with any of the world's great wines.
This is a dense, powerful authoritative wine with quality seeping out of every pore, boasting a texture informed but not dominated by oak and a beautiful harmony across the palate.