In the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, pure Syrah is rare, unlike in the much famed, pricy reds of the northern Rhne. Our scout and buyer for the Languedoc-Roussillon is Mark Hoddy. He’s always searching the region’s vineyards, to check out the vintage and the finest parcels of grapes. This is an ace find Mark discovered first in 2019 via an old friend in Corbires. Close by is Domaine La Lirande, a small estate founded in 1912 by the grandfather, Franois, in the tiny village of Coulobres. Every year, the Syrah from the domaine’s 8 hectares of 40-year-old vines stands out for quality, especially in 2022 which, despite both spring frosts and summer hail, has produced exceptional wines. Just taste the richness of this seductive red. Ripe black fruit with smoky liquorice and wild herb notes, it’s still young, so open early and decant. Great at a barbecue.