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 soils in the northerly vineyards are mainly over granite subsoils that follow on from those of the Hermitage hill. To the south the soils are both fluvial-glacial alluviums, with terraces of rolled stones from the old river bed, mixed with loess.
The climate has a southerly exposure in the hillside areas and is tempered by the Mistral wind.
“Le Clos” grapes are harvested at optimum maturity from this single vineyard. The winemaking is done in traditional open-topped concrete tanks, following a 2 day period of skin contact at low temperature. The fermentation follows at controlled temperatures from 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 last up to 20 days.
Maturation lasts for 10 to 14 months in oak barrels which have already held wine for 1 to 3 years.
A deep ruby red colour with garnet tinges. The nose reveals aromas of stewed black fruit (cassis and blackberries) and as it opens up, hints of leather and game. The palate is perfectly balanced, with a combination of suave delicacy and considerable volume. The finish is lifted by flavours of very ripe black cherries.
Delicious with mixed grills such as marinated beef or chicken.
Jeb Dunnuck: 93 POINTS
December 20, 2018, Jeb Dunnuck
“Brought up in used barrels, the 2016 Crozes Hermitage Le Clos is a beauty that shines on all accounts. Offering a complex bouquet of black raspberries, peppery herbs, new saddle leather, and spice, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, terrific balance, good freshness, and a clean, lengthy finish. Drink it any time over the coming 8-10 years.”
Wine Spectator: 93 POINTS
September 12, 2018, James Molesworth
“Pretty, with black tea and cinnamon notes out front, giving this a perfumy feel, while crushed black cherry and raspberry fruit flavors fill in behind them. Flashes of mesquite and anise add range on the finish, which is racy in feel. Drink now through 2023.”
JamesSuckling.com: 92-93 POINTS
August 29, 2018, James Suckling
“Plenty of attractive spice and pepper here with meaty, toasty oak adding further interest to the ripe blackberries. The palate has a very succulent, modern and spicy feel. Great depth and concentration of black-fruit flavors. Barrel sample.”
Crozes-Hermitage AOC
100% Syrah
Cork
Yes
Yes
