The Wine Enthusiast rates this old-vine Mourvedre (90%, with 10% Syrah) super-cuvee outstanding at $35, saying:
This brambly, leather-touched red is a blend of organically grown Mourvèdre and Syrah. Full bodied and penetrating in blackberry and cassis flavors, it highlights rich fruit against savory shades of crushed earth and fur. Sharply framed by a peppery, herbal edge, it's a deeply nuanced wine at peak now through 2027.
And the French Gault Millau wine rates it even higher (indeed above almost every $100+ Chateauneuf of the vintage), saying:
The vintage " The Muses " is the rare cuvée of the Domain of Joncier. Stemming from a terroir of big rolled pebbles cultivated in biodynamie in very low yield (18 hl / ha), this wine presents a remarkable concentration.
What I’d really love to do is compare this to Beaucastel’s Mourverdre-dominant Hommage Chateauneuf at $500+: I’m sure the Beaucastel would be better…but I suspect this one would put up quite a fight!
Just 10 cases available at the best price anywhere by far.
Bullets:
A rare Lirac that outscores even very high-end Chateauneufs – and is considered a huge bargain at its normal $35 price.
We got a crazy deal on this when the estate sold to a top Chateauneuf producer and so our importer lost it…and we’re passing it on. Take advantage!
