The 2016 Lirac Domaine du Clos de Sixte is a terrific wine, easily the rival to many Ch?teauneufs from across the river, starting with its alluring aromas of flowering garrigue and ripe cherries. A blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourv?dre, this ...
Almost as good as the Vieilles Vignes from foudre, the 2016 Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique is just marginally less concentrated and deep. It's medium to full-bodied, with supple tannins and a fresh, zesty feel on the long finish.
Rich, vibrant, creamy and expressive, this well-balanced, luscious Chardonnay is classically Californian
The 2017 Cotes du Rhone les Champauvins was yet to be bottled at the time of my June visit. This value stalwart looks reassuringly excellent, with garrigue accents layered over raspberry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with a bit of silky tannin and a ...
Mikaël Boutin first worked as a mechanic until age 20 when he began work in the southern Rhône vineyards. He then studied viticulture at Carpentras before moving on to the organic Domaine Jean David at Séguret, which stimulated his urge to make wine. When his uncle retired in 2008, Mikaël worked two hectares he inherited from his parents, making his first wine in 2011. At the time he was also the “number two” in charge of the vineyards at Domaine de la Vieille Julienne at Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
He produces organic wines, with massale selection of the vines. Mikaël owns two hectares across eight plots on slope and plain stem. He manages to produce delicious wines in a small building barely larger than a two-car garage which represents the totality of his production facility.