Domaine de la Mordoree

Christophe Delorme describes 2013 as “atypical”, citing parsimonious yields of eight hl/ha for the Grenache in his Châteauneuf vineyards and a reduction in volume of his Lirac of over 50 percent. Such things make cash flow hard to predict, let alone manage; the prospect inspires a Gallic shrug and the observation that quality must be maintained, even with volumes which are far from profitable. This, it seems, has been achieved.
His parting shot is to describe the wines as “rare – but great”.

A nose of stone fruit (peach and apricot), pear and violets is followed by a palate that contains all the hallmarks of premium quality white Rhône, namely an opulent and waxy texture, re-assuring weight and a long finish. This is lovely now but will be happy in the cellar for at least a couple of years.
A nose of stone-fruit (peach and apricot), pear and violets followed by a palate that contains all the hallmarks of premium quality white Rhône, namely an opulent and waxy texture, re-assuring weight and a long finish. This is lovely now but will be happy in the cellar for at least a couple of years-should you prove stoical in your patience.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer

Christophe Delorme describes 2013 as ‘atypical’, citing parsimonious yields of eight hectolitres per hectare for the Grenache in his Châteauneuf vineyards and a reduction in volume of his Lirac of over 50 percent. Such things make cash flow hard to predict, let alone manage; the prospect inspires a Gallic shrug and the observation that quality must be maintained, even with volumes which are far from profitable. This, it seems, has been achieved. His parting shot is to describe the wines as ‘rare – but great’. A fabulous white, Mordorée’s 2013 Lirac La Reine des Bois Blanc checks in as a blend of just about every permitted white variety, including Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Picpoul and others. Aged all in stainless steel, it exhibits beautifully clean, mineral-laced notes of citrus rind, pear, honeysuckle and white flowers. This flows to a medium-bodied, refreshing, pure and elegant white that has integrated acidity, plenty of fruit and a classy finish. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#216 (Part 2) Jan 2015

The juxtaposition of old concrete fermentation tanks and new maturation barriques, underlines the Delorme philosophy and its apparently contradictory approach to intervention. Be that as it may, it certainly seems to work. The 2011 is a dense, powerfully authoritative wine, with ripeness and quality seeping out of its every pore. Its texture is informed, but not dominated by the oak, and both major and minor keys are evidenced in the integration of the tannins.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer

Christophe and Fabrice Delorme did not take long to project this fine estate, named somewhat poetically after a woodcock, into the first division. Based in Tavel, theoretically rather unhelpfully as most activity takes place over on the other side of the Rhône river, the brothers make, as one would expect, delicious Rosé wine in addition to a very fine Lirac and a Châteauneuf-du-Pape which combines the best virtues of modernity and tradition. 2011 was especially successful for them; they attribute the high natural sugar levels to biodynamic viticulture. 

A longer maceration, but with less pumping over; Christophe’s philosophy has paid dividends with a wine which is long and pleasingly aromatic with graphite, blueberry liqueur and crushed rock all in evidence. The wine is dense yet pure; its sweet fruit beautifully integrated in deference to the now much imitated house style.
Simon Field MW - Rhone Buyer

Christophe Delorme describes 2013 as atypical, citing parsimonious yields of eight hectolitres per hectare for the Grenache in his Châteuneuf vineyards and a reduction in volume of his Lirac of over 50 percent. Such things make cash flow hard to predict, let alone manage; the prospect inspires a Gallic shrug and the observation that quality must be maintained, even with volumes which are far from profitable. This, it seems, has been achieved. His parting shot is to describe the wines as ‘rare – but great’.

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.

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!)

A glorious triptych of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, Mordorée’s Lirac shows exactly what can be done in this slightly under-appreciated Appellation. Dense of colour and sumptuous of aroma, the wine is a symphonic celebration of black fruit, pepper and spice, generously textured but incredibly elegant, harmonious and long.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, August 2011

From the more robust end of an already powerful spectrum, the 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reine des Bois is a definite keeper. Dark of hue and with intense aromas of graphite, blueberry liqueur and crushed rock, the wine is dense and pure, its sweet fruit beautifully integrated with wood and its finish fine and persuasive.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Wine Buyer)

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.