A wine that continues to get better with each new vintage is the 2008 Lirac Domaine La Lorentine. A blend of 50% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre, it reveals abundant minerality, good elegance, lush red and black fruits, and hints of Provencal herbs as well as damp earth. One of the appellation’s great traditional names as well as one of the many biodynamically farmed vineyards of the area, sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier run this estate with extreme passion and attention to detail. As I have indicated in the past, this family can trace its origins back to the mid-14th century. Domaine de Marcoux owns some very old vines from which they produce nearly 3,000 cases of their regular Chateauneuf du Pape, and about 400-500 cases of the Vieilles Vignes. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565