2022 Chateau Mont Redon Lirac, Rhone Valley

Gorgeous black cherries, hints of cassis, spring flowers, and subtle oak all define the Grenache-dominated 2022 Lirac, a medium to full-bodied Lirac offering beautiful tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length.

I love seeing Pierre Fabre bring Mont-Redon back to its prior glory. I think this estate is unquestionably producing some of the top wines of the appellation today, and that should be no surprise given the incredible terroir of this estate. Looking at the Châteauneuf du Pape releases, there’s a classic cuvée and a Le Plateau cuvée, both in red and white. The classic cuvée is, as you would expect, a classic expression of the appellation and brought up in tank and used oak. Both Le Plateau releases come from the prime upper plateau terroir (think La Crau, only in the northwestern portion of the appellation) and see more new oak. In general, these Le Plateau releases are serious, concentrated wines that demand bottle age. In addition to the Châteauneuf du Pape, this estate produces a bevy of releases from throughout the Southern Rhône, all of which merit attention.

90-92 points jebdunnuck.com

Château Mont-Redon Lirac from the southern Rhône Valley is a bold yet beautifully balanced red that captures the essence of this under-the-radar appellation just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With a winemaking legacy that stretches back to 1344, Mont-Redon brings serious pedigree to its Lirac wines—crafted with the same precision and passion as its more famous neighbour, but offering remarkable value and character in its own right.

Lirac is one of the oldest wine regions in the Rhône, and the vineyards here share the same galets roulés—large, heat-retaining stones—that define the terroir of Châteauneuf. Château Mont-Redon farms their Lirac vineyards organically, with deep-rooted Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre vines thriving in the warm Mediterranean climate and stony, well-draining soils.

The blend typically leads with Grenache, supported by Syrah’s spice and structure and Mourvèdre’s earthy depth. The wine is fermented in stainless steel for vibrancy, then aged in a mix of large oak casks and neutral barrels to round out the tannins without masking the fruit. The result is a deep ruby red with aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, wild herbs, and cracked pepper. On the palate, it’s generous and silky, with dark fruit, hints of liquorice, garrigue, and a savoury mineral edge. The finish is long and satisfying, with just enough grip to age gracefully over 5–10 years.

Château Mont-Redon’s Lirac is a sleeper hit for Rhône lovers—serious wine with soul, structure, and spice.