Founded 160 years ago in the heart of the northern Côtes du Rhône, Delas Freres today crafts world class wines from both northern and southern Rhône.
Tending the steep sloping vineyards, which total some 30 hectares of vines, the team adapt their growing practices to each plot of vines to let the terroir of the Rhône shine through in the wines.
Crafted by winemaker Jacques Grange (who is originally from Burgundy), the wines from Delas Freres epitomise finesse and elegance. Recent vintages from the vineyards of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Ventoux have bee lauded in the press for their intensity of flavour and excellent value.
The northern part of the vineyard the Côte Brune consists of extremely steep, terraced slopes of ferruginous mica schists which are covered with schist sand (arzel).The Côte Blonde has a varied geology with gneiss and granite predominating at the most southern side of the appellation.
The grapes used in the “La Landonne” cuvée are hand picked at optimum maturity. Fermentation takes place in traditional open-topped concrete tanks, after three days of cold maceration. Before fermentation, the maceration process is conducted under controlled temperatures of 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C). Daily cap pushing down and pumping over are carried out for about 10 days. The total vatting time can be up to 20 days.
The wine is aged for 14 to 16 months in new or one year old oak casks.
In terms of the flowering, it took place two to three weeks later than in 2015, which ultimately corresponds to a typical year. The first stage of flowering took place in sunny conditions, whereas the second stage unfortunately took place in heavy rain. By the end of summer the vineyards had returned to a perfectly healthy state and ripening went well, particularly after a beneficial rainy spell in early September.
The wine’s deep colour is underscored by plummy hues. A complex nose shows deep, fruity aromas with hints of liquorice and roasted coffee. Endowed with a dense and silky tannic structure, this is a full, fleshy wine that provides an ample and generous palate. Its lasting finish speaks of considerable ageing potential.
Quality red meats such as roast beef, truffle, spicy stews.
Wine Spectator: 96 POINTS
February 20, 2019, James Molesworth
“Alluring, with warm fruitcake and black tea aromatics leading off for a lush and warm core of crushed plum, cherry reduction and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors. Despite the showy fruit detail, there’s a solid iron underpinning, pretty floral notes and bright energy throughout. Best from 2023 through 2038.”
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 POINTS
December 20, 2018, Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2016 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is another forward, charming, balanced beauty. Blackberries, violets, camphor, and hints of acacia flowers all emerge from this impressively balanced Côte Rôtie. As with the 2017, there’s a forward, approachable style here, but it’s seamless, elegant, and long. Both these wines are much more elegant and forward than previous vintages.”
The Wine Advocate: 95 POINTS
October 31, 2018, Joe Czerwinski
“Unlike most vintages (which require cellaring), the 2016 Cote Rotie La Landonne is already drinking well. It is perfumed and floral, with violets, herbs, pepper and rosemary notes coming together in a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors that are backed by layers of silky-textured raspberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it’s creamy and lush on the palate, with a long, delicate finish.”
Côte-Rôtie AOC
100% Syrah
Cork
Yes
Yes
