Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
75cl * 15% ABV * Southern Rhone, France
Delas Frères, founded in 1835, is a historic Rhone Valley winery based in Tain-l’Hermitage and forms part of the esteemed Roederer Collection. Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard comprises of several distinct parcels, where the soils range from pebbles to fine sands, red clays and sandstone.
Here, the rounded pebbles store heat during the day and release it at night which allows for the gradual ripening of the grapes, and the Mediterranean climate provides plenty of sunshine while the Mistral wind maintains the freshness of the vines.
The wine is a perfect blend of the ripe Grenache fruit with depth from the Mourvèdre and structure from the Syrah, aged in a combination of concrete vats and oak barrels. There's lovely red fruit and fig on the nose, leading into a broad and generous palate with robust tannins and earthy spice. The finish is long, with liquorice and Mediterranean herbs expressive of the terroir.
Pair with Provençal stews and grilled meats.
Drink now to 2038.
'I love the deep, meaty and earthy notes of this powerful, medium- to full-bodied Chateauneuf. Still youthful but already expressive, with notes of candied bitter oranges and sandalwood. Quite a dense core of tannins, but these have been beautifully crafted and are already well integrated. Long, harmonious finish.' 93pts, Stuart Pigott for JamesSuckling.com (April 2024).