I found a bottle of this at Ferry Building Wine Merchants for $18. (Actually, I was tipped off).
2003 Alain Jaume Lirac Clos de Sixte - Lirac, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France (12/11/2004)
Whoa! Open up this bottle, and you are hit by big aromas of very ripe red fruit. I'd suggest you sit down first. The color is very deep and dark red with a touch of purple. It sparkles, but it really is deep and dark. Made from a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 15% Mouvedre, this is a supercharged wine claiming 15% alcohol on the label, and I believe every percentage point. Has there ever been a French wine like this? It is thick and has tremendous extraction. The palate is rich but integrated with great smooth tannins and just enough acidity to provide some balance to the ripe, ripe fruit. The nose moderated after the bottle had been open a bit, and this isn't an especially complex wine, but it was great fun to drink with roast chicken. If this is any indication of what Rhone wines are like in 2003, hang on to your seat and your checkbook! (90 pts.)
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