2010 Rhone Valley Wine between $10 and $25

Under their negociant line of wines (called Alain Jaume), the 2010 Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is a classic Vacqueyras with lots of dense, concentrated, black cherry and plum fruit intermixed with hints of garrigue and licorice, a full-bodied mouthfeel. Under their negociant line of wines (called Alain Jaume), the 2010 Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is a classic Vacqueyras with lots of dense, concentrated, black cherry and plum fruit intermixed with hints of garrigue and licorice, a full-bodied mouthfeel.

Located just a few miles from the famous appellation of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the relatively obscure appellation of Lirac can produce wines that are quite similar to that of its illustrious neighbor, at a fraction of the price. The soils are similar to that of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, including, in many vineyards, an ankle-spraining abundance of the potato-size stones called galet, which are considered a key to the quality of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Château de Ségriès, which is owned by a branch of the family that owns Domaine de la Mordorée, a top Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer, provides an excellent example of the quality potential of the Lirac appellation. Made from a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan, hand harvested from 40 year old vines, the 2010 Château de Ségriès "Cuvée Réservée" offers ripe, vivid flavors of blueberry, raspberry, tobacco leaf and plum, with a firm lashing of ripe tannins at the finish. Although ready to drink now, this wine offers an additional aging potential of 2 to 4 years. -- Ben Giliberti

Domaine de la Mordoree remains the reference point for how good Lirac can be. It is an appellation with tremendous potential, and a number of Chateauneuf du Pape estates are buying up vineyards in the appellation. The 2009 Lirac Cuvee de la Reine des Bois is another star from Christophe Delorme. Loads of kirsch, black currant and crushed rock notes along with a hint of spring flowers are all present in this dense purple, medium to full-bodied, delicious wine, which should drink nicely for 7-8 years.

The dark crimson 2010 Clos de Sixte is a classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape-type blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, aged for 14 months in 35% new oak barrels. Opens with a warm, ripe, perfumed bouquet of black cherry fruit and wild violets. On the palate, luminously fluid and supple, with bouncy, spicy blackberry and dark fruit notes seasoned by spice. Marvelously detailed finish of subtle minerality and warm, well resolved tannins. A super wine for the money.