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Ratings & Reviews
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - February 2012
90 Points "Vivid ruby. Pungent, energetic aromas of raspberry and cherry pit are accented by exotic star anise and flowers. On the palate, flavors of ripe red and dark berries and candied flowers are complemented by a touch of smokiness on the back half. Finishes smooth and long, the cherry and smoke notes echoing."
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - November 16, 2011
92 Points "Racy and fresh, with a piercing, stony edge cutting through the red currant, plum and cherry notes, all laced with hints of garrigue and tobacco on the finish."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2011
91 Points "The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Haute Pierre (65% tank-aged Grenache and 35% barrel-aged Syrah) boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with sweet notes of roasted meats, new saddle leather, espresso, cassis and black cherry jam. This classic, full-throttle Chateauneuf du Pape can be enjoyed over the next 15+ years. As I noted last year, there has been tremendous progress and a definitive amelioration of quality with respect to the Chateauneuf du Papes being produced by Delas."
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2008 Archived REVIEWS
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2007 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - November 2008
92-94 points "It reveals a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a gorgeous nose of black fruits, spring flowers, licorice, incense, lavender, and grilled Provencal herbs. Dense, full-bodied, flamboyant, and chewy, with that terrific freshness and purity that characterize this great vintage in the south, it should drink well for 12-15+ years."
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2008
90-92 points "The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is the finest wine produced by Grange since he began working at Delas when it was acquired by the Louis Roederer-Deutz Champagne firm. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, kirsch liqueur, incense, licorice, pepper, and spice, a superb texture, beautiful freshness, and a long finish."
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - June 15, 2008
92 points "Shows some funk on the nose, but there’s a solid core of ripe, pure blackberry and black currant fruit, with sweet spice, tar and warm licorice notes. Long, well-rounded finish. Drink now through 2023."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 28, 2007
90-92 Points "...[T]he 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Haute Pierre boasts a deep, dark ruby/plum hue, full-bodied, powerful flavors (black fruits, pepper, earth, and spice), beautiful purity, admirable intensity, moderate tannin, and a textured, savory mouthfeel. Consume it over the next 10-15 years."
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Condrieu 'Clos Boucher'
Condrieu 'Clos Boucher' 2003 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
92 Points "Light gold. Suave, floral bouquet of orange, peach, jasmine and violet. Quite fine and delineated, with brisk mineral and citrus zest flavors joined by a late-arriving note of floral honey. The bright finish features a strong, lingering mineral tone. This vineyard sits next to Chateau Grillet."
Condrieu 'La Galopine'
Condrieu 'La Galopine' 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
89 points "The basic cuvee of Condrieu, the 2006 and 2007 Condrieu La Galopine both offer notes of flowers, peaches, apricots, and lychee nuts. The 2006 exhibits more minerality and depth..."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - February 01, 2008
91 Points "Bright, with a juicy texture carrying tasty notes of persimmon, apricot, white peach and anise. Nice mouthwatering finish has a hint of fennel seed. Drink now through 2010."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
90 Points "Pale yellow. Seductive, floral bouquet of fresh citrus and pear aromas enlivened by dusty minerals. Brisk lemon and orchard fruit flavors are surprisingly weighty but finish with impressive mineral snap. An excellent example of the clean, racy school of Condrieu, with zero oak adornment."
Condrieu 'La Galopine'
Condrieu 'La Galopine' 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Condrieu 'La Galopine'
Condrieu 'La Galopine' 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Cornas 'Chante-Perdrix'
Cornas 'Chante-Perdrix' 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
92-94 Points "Inky purple. Ripe, deeply pitched aromas of blackberry, violet, olive, smoky minerals and Indian spices. Large-scaled, dense and seamless, offering compelling flavors of candied black and blue fruits, dark chocolate and violet pastille. Lingers with real intensity and clarity, the violet note strongly repeating."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
89-92 Points "Delas produces a classic, full-bodied, masculine Cornas. The 2010 Cornas Chante Perdrix tastes like coagulated blood from the vine. Thick and dense, with great intensity, massive tannins and virile power and richness, this opaque purple-colored wine is not for the shy of heart."
Cornas 'Chante-Perdrix' 2009
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
90 Points "Dark purple. Aromas of cherry compote and cassis are brightened by a zesty mineral quality. Rich but lithe, offering gently sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors and a biting note of cracked pepper. Shows a touch of smokiness on the seamless, nicely persistent finish."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
93+ Points "...this 2009 has a voluptuous opening on the palate before the tannins begin to ratchet up. Inky/purple-hued, layered and full-bodied, it offers notes of smoked meats, duck, Chinese black tea, blackberries and licorice. It is an enormously inky, thick wine that needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years and drunk over the following 20-25 years."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
91-93 Points "The dense purple-colored, gamy 2009 Cornas Chante Perdrix offers up scents of duck confit intermixed with notions of burning embers, black fruits, new saddle leather and savage animal-like notes. There is extraordinary intensity and abundant tannin, but enough fruit to balance out the wine's structure."
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne'
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne' 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
93-95 Points "Inky purple. Smoky dark berries and cherry-vanilla on the exotically perfumed nose. Picks up incense and bacon fat with air, along with suggestions of clove and star anise. Intense flavors of spiced cherry and blackberry are enlivened by zesty minerality and given shape by supple tannins. This plush, suave, alluring wine finishes with intense sweetness and a late jolt of fruitcake."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
96-100 Points "The black-colored 2010 Cote Rotie La Landonne displays notes of charcoal, black truffles, creosote, blackberries, incense, subtle barbecue smoke and hints of espresso as well as white chocolate. This amazingly complex, full-bodied, powerful 2010 will need 7-8 years of cellaring, and should last three decades or more."
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne' 2009
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
94 Points "An explosive, heady bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, incense, Asian spices and potpourri; you could scent a room with this stuff. Palate-staining raspberry and blueberry flavors are lifted by zesty mineral and spice notes and show outstanding vivacity and focus. Pure, energetic and sweet on the finish, which refuses to let up. Grange told me that the reason Delas doesn't make this wine every year--as in 2008, for example--'is because we want it to be a truly great expression of Cote-Rotie or not to exist at all. If it isn't superb, it doesn't get bottled, period.'"
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
98+ Points "As I reported last year, the black/purple-tinged 2009 Cote Rotie La Landonne is an extraordinary effort. Made in a more open-knit, exuberant, flamboyant style, it possesses many of the same characteristics as the 2010, but with silkier tannins and lots of glycerin, smoked meat, violet, black currant, licorice, pepper and charcuterie characteristics. With super intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, lower acidity than the 2010 and sweeter tannin, it should drink well for 30+ years."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
98-100 Points "Delas's two luxury cuvees are both candidates for perfection. As good as the single vineyard Cote Roties of Guigal, the 2009 Cote Rotie La Landonne...is a sublime wine. A dense blue/purple color is followed by aromas of blueberries, black raspberries, white chocolate, vanilla and a hint of spring flowers. The wine exhibits fabulous fruit intensity, a wonderful medium to full-bodied mouthfeel...beautiful elegance and purity."
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne' 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
95 points "The compelling 2006 Cote Rotie La Landonne is sensational. Gamy black cherry and black currant fruit interwoven with notions of graphite, licorice, and scorched earth aromas jump from the glass of this dense, full-bodied, rich, pure 2006. This is a stunning wine with terrific minerality as well as laser-like focus."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
92-94 Points "Deep ruby. Strong spiced cherry and dark berry aromas lifted by a potent cracked pepper quality. Very fresh, spicy redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are joined on the back by exotic floral pastilles and tangy minerality. Extremely graceful wine."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
94-97 Points "Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed aromas of vibrant, spice-accented cherry and dark berries. Deep, powerful blackberry and cassis flavors are supported by tangy acidity and strong tannic structure. Very chewy on the palate-staining finish, which shows almost painful concentration right now. "This is all potential," notes winemaker Jacques Grange."
Wine Spectator - November 2006
“The Landonne is from a minuscule 1.2-acre parcel that includes some 80-year-old vines. It's a textbook La Landonne, with sanguine and iron notes backed by layers of opulent currant and fig fruit. Long, dark, very muscular finish with formidable tannins, it should be expansive with time.”
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne' 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - May 15, 2008
95 points "Densely layered, with nearly exotic fig, plum sauce, mocha, incense and black licorice notes. Has a dense core that will need to wait for the formidable structure to resolve itself. A powerful rendition of Côte-Rôtie. Best from 2010 through 2028."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
92(+?) Points "Opaque ruby. Powerfully scented aromas of red berry, kirsch, flowers and incense. Stains the palate with deep, sweet dark berry preserve flavors, becoming more tannic with air. Shuts down on the finish but there's more than a glimpse of suave, compellingly sweet dark fruit here. But it's an inscrutable black hole today, and in need of cellaring."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
94-96 points "A 40-year wine is the 2005 Cote Rotie La Landonne. The wine is dense purple in color to the rim with a strikingly perfumed nose of blackberries, espresso roast, charcoal, and black raspberry and cassis. Striking minerality and graphite notes underlie this formidably endowed, rich, powerful wine that needs a good decade of cellaring. It should last for half a century."
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne' 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - Tara Q. Thomas - February 2008
90 Points "From a small parcel of 100 percent syrah, this is opulent Côte Rôtie, dense and black with spice and a ferrous, almost feral minerality. The tannic grip cuts the flavors short; give it another five years to relax and lengthen into its size."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - May 15, 2007
93 Points "Pure and defined, with a range of aromas and flavors thats impressive for the vintage--coffee, olive, white pepper, tobacco, blackberry and currant fruit. The long finish shows nice flesh and minerality and really blossoms with air. A wine whose breed shines through the vintage. Drink now through 2012."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
94 points "A brilliant cuvee that gets aged 36 months in 100% new oak barrels...is the Cote Rotie La Landonne. The 2004 Cote Rotie La Landonne possesses scorched earth, roasted meats, smoked herbs, licorice, and sweet black raspberry and cassis flavors that jump from the glass of this deep, full-bodied Cote Rotie. The wine is rich, has good acidity, hints of black olive in the mouth, and a long, heady finish. It is approachable now but promises to be better in 3-4 years and last for 15 or more."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
92 Points "Medium red. Pungent violet- and lavender-accented raspberry and redcurrant aromas. Then deep and rich on the palate, with concentrated, pure cherry and blackberry flavors and a good dose of graphite and black olive. Rich for sure, but with impressive energy and focus too. Finishes with mouthwatering acidity and excellent length."
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne' 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - J.M - May 15, 2006
96 Points "Extremely dark, with blackberry and fig fruit, but remarkably lush and pure, with mineral, coffee and mocha notes gliding along as well. All the exotic fruit notes then reverberate through the finish, where the minerality provides a suave backdrop. Drink now through 2020."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
96 Points "The blockbuster 2003 Cote Rotie La Landonne is a wine for the ages. Its dense purple hue is followed by gorgeous aromas of graphite, scorched earth, bacon fat, blackberries, blueberries, figs, and espresso roast. Deep, full-bodied, tannic, and backward, it will benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age, and should last for two decades."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - January 2006
91 Points "Light ruby color. High-pitched, intensely floral nose offers mineral-laden scents of tangy red berries, fruity black pepper, cherry cola and licorice pastille. Chewy and firm, with vibrant red and dark berry tones on the palate. Quite fresh for the year but also boasts serious concentration and power. Finishes dusty, floral and long, with excellent thrust."
Côte-Rôtie 'La Landonne' 1998 Archived REVIEWS
Côte-Rôtie La Landonne
Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 1999 Archived REVIEWS
Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron
Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
92-94 Points "Bright violet. Expansive bouquet shows boysenberry and blueberry liqueur, Moroccan spices, violet and woodsmoke. Lush, seductively sweet black and blue fruit flavors stain the palate, picking up suave spice and floral qualities with aeration. The finish shows a suave floral character and clings tenaciously. The tannins of this vibrant, rich wine are very nicely integrated."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
91-93 Points "The 2010 Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron reveals crisp acidity as well as lots of black raspberry, bacon fat, forest floor, licorice and Provencal garrigue-like notes. Deep, medium to full-bodied and rich, with terrific delineation as well as personality, it does not reveal any of the unevolved, slightly reduced character of many of the bigger 2010 Delas wines."
Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - April 25, 2012
94 Points "Very enticing, with roasted herb, olive and spice notes flittering in front of darker pastis, blackberry paste and briar notes. The long, grippy finish is iron-driven, with a lovely tangy mesquite note adding complexity."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
91 Points "Vivid ruby. Red and dark berries and star anise on the fragrant nose. A juicy, seamless midweight that shows the elegant side of Cote-Rotie. Fresh black raspberry and cherry flavors put on weight with air while maintaining brightness. Closes with strong spicy cut and grip."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
93 Points "The 2009 Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron exhibits lots of spice, raspberry, cassis, licorice, incense, Christmas fruitcake and fried bacon notes. The smokiness, seductiveness, lusciousness and medium to full-bodied, round, generous texture make for an endearing, sexy Cote Rotie to enjoy over the next 10-15 years."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
92-94 Points "A strong effort, the 2009 Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron is the softest of all Delas's 2009 Northern Rhones, offering up notes of black olives, lychee nuts, raspberries and black currants. This finesse-styled, elegant red should provide delicious drinking..."
Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron 2006 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator Insider - James Molesworth - June 10, 2009
92 Points "Muscular for the vintage, with dark cherry, fig and currant notes mingling with plenty of iron, cocoa and braised olive hints. The long, briar-tinged finish has excellent grip."
Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - May 15, 2007
89 Points "Supple and focused, with alluring black cherry and currant fruit intertwined with mocha, sanguine and iron notes. The finish is long and fine-grained. Has nice length and depth for the vintage. Drink now through 2011. 925 cases made."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
89 Points "Deep red. Mineral-accented red berry and cherry aromas are clean and bright. Quite stony on the palate, with vibrant redcurrant and spicy cherry flavors and a deep espresso note on the back. This silky-smooth, sweet wine finishes long and elegant, with very fine tannins. You could drink this now."
Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron 2003 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
93 Points "Made from 100% Syrah, the 2003 Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron (90% from the Cote Brune) was aged in small barrels of which 30% were new. It offers up wonderful scents of bacon fat, charcoal, spring flowers, plums, blackberries, and cherries. Sweet and medium to full-bodied with surprisingly fine acidity, a rich mid-palate and depth, and a heady, concentrated finish, this silky 2003 can be enjoyed now and over the next 12-13 years."
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Blanc
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Blanc 2010
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2011
89 Points "A sleeper of the vintage, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit Blanc is dominated by its Viognier component. It offers aromas of white peaches, apricots and spring flowers as well as medium body, good acidity, excellent precision and abundant character. Enjoy this fresh white over the next 12-18 months."
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Blanc 2009
Wine Enthusiast - Joe Czerwinski - September 29, 2011
88 Points #95 of Top Best Buys "Predominantly Grenache Blanc, this surprisingly mineral-laden white displays hints of graphite that underscore modest pear and melon fruit. It’s powerful yet restrained, and would be at home with a wide variety of fish or chicken dishes."
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Blanc 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Rouge
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Rouge 2010
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2011
89-91 Points "The deep ruby/purple-tinged, tank-aged 2010 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit (70% Syrah and 30% Grenache) offers notes of roasted herbs, black cherries, licorice and pepper. This delicious red represents terrific value. As I noted last year, there has been tremendous progress and a definitive amelioration of quality with respect to the Chateauneuf du Papes being produced by Delas."
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Rouge 2009 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2010
90 Points "Delas Freres has produced two other outstanding sleepers of the vintage, and both wines dramatically over-deliver for their appellations. The brilliant 2009 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit is the best Cotes du Rhone I have ever tasted from Delas. ...The wine has great fruit and a sweet raspberry and black cherry nose with some herbs, licorice, and pepper. Aged all in tank, the wine is medium to full-bodied and possesses sweet tannin as well as a long finish."
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Rouge 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Rouge 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2008
88 points "A turn-around effort, the 2006 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit possesses a deep ruby/purple color along with plenty of spice, pepper, and black fruit characteristics. ...[The] Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit ranks alongside the offerings from Guigal and Chapoutier."
Côtes-du-Rhône 'St. Esprit' Rouge 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Côtes-du-Ventoux
Côtes-du-Ventoux 2009
Wine Enthusiast - Joe Czerwinski - December 15, 2011
89 Points Best Buy "Aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling, this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah is a chunky, medium-bodied red ideal for drinking over the next few years. Subtle plum and black cherry notes pick up hints of leather, earth and spice, with an ample dusting of tannin on the finish."
Côtes-du-Ventoux 2009 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2010
89 Points "Delas Freres has produced two other outstanding sleepers of the vintage, and both wines dramatically over-deliver for their appellations. The 2009 Cotes du Ventoux ... ratchets up the levels of intensity and richness beyond what one can usually find at such an incredibly fair price. Deep ruby/purple, with loads of texture and density, red and black fruits, a salty sea breeze note, and the classic seaweed wrapper found in sushi restaurants (nori) are all present in this generously endowed, corpulent wine."
Côtes-du-Ventoux 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Côtes-du-Ventoux 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - December 2004
88 Points - A Best B Shows uncommon depth and intensity for a humble Cotes du Ventoux. Bold scents of black cherries, blackberries and earth rise from the glass. There's plenty of richness on the palate, even some slightly rustic tannins to help rein in all that fruit. Notes of licorice, tar and earth on the finish make it more than a simple fruit bomb.
Crozes Hermitage 'Domaine des Grands Chemins'
Crozes Hermitage 'Domaine des Grands Chemins' 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
90-92 Points "Opaque purple. Powerful, textbook syrah aromas of blackberry, violet and licorice, plus a smoky mineral note. Sweet and lush on entry, then spicy and firm in the middle palate, offering black and blue fruits and floral and spice qualities. Ripe and fresh, with a juicy, impressively long finish featuring notes of candied flowers and minerals."
Crozes Hermitage 'Domaine des Grands Chemins' 2009
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
90 Points "Dark ruby. Raspberry and cherry on the bright, floral-accented nose. Juicy and precise, offering sweet red fruit flavors that pick up weight and smokiness with air. A touch of candied licorice comes up on the finish, which shows good energy and length."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
92 Points "There is a lot of good stuff in the 2010, but the real stunner is the 2009 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine des Grands Chemins. Revealing abundant notes of tar, cassis, black raspberries, tapenade and earth in its rich, full-bodied, stunning personality, it should drink well for 10-15 years."
Crozes Hermitage 'Domaine des Grands Chemins' 2008 Archived REVIEWS
Crozes Hermitage 'Le Clos'
Crozes Hermitage 'Le Clos' 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - April 25, 2012
91 Points "A lively, peppery, mineral-driven style, with a strong iron note running through the core of crushed plum and blackberry. Features a lingering white pepper edge."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
91 Points "Bright ruby. Red berry preserves and cherry on the pungent, floral nose. Deeply pitched but lively, boasting very good focus to its bitter cherry and licorice flavors. A spine of minerality adds cut and vibrancy to the long, spicy finish. I like this wine's tension and suspect that it will be a slow, graceful ager."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
93 Points "There is no problem understanding the 2009 Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos. Aged completely in small French oak barrels, it boasts a striking minerality, a wonderfully dense ruby/purple color and sweet notes of creme de cassis, black raspberries, licorice, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Full-bodied and dense, with some tannins still to shed, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and is capable of lasting two decades."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
91-93 Points "Aged 100% in small French oak, it exhibits a striking minerality as well as copious notes of cassis, acacia flowers, licorice, herbs and spice. Combining power, intensity and elegance, this full-bodied 2009 should drink well for 12-15+ years."
Crozes Hermitage 'Le Clos' 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Crozes Hermitage 'Le Clos' 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
92 points "The stunning, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Crozes-Hermitage Les Clos exhibits smoky, roasted meat, garrigue, blackberry, cassis, new saddle leather, and charcoal aromas, sweet tannins, full-bodied power, and reserves of concentration and fruit. Consume it over the next decade. This cuvee has become one of the top three or four wines of the appellation."
Crozes Hermitage 'Le Clos' 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator Online - James Molesworth - January 28, 2008
91 Points "Offers a structured mix of black cherry, briar, iron, coffee and loam notes, with a long, iron-tinged finish. Has nice length and good tangy grip. Drink now through 2011."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
92 Points "Inky ruby. Bright red berry and cherry aromas are enlivened by brisk minerals and fresh flowers. Spicy raspberry and cherry on the palate, picking up tangy minerals with aeration. This very pure wine shows a Burgundian elegance, and finishes with excellent persistence and sweetness."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
89-91 points "The 2005 Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos has a dense purple color, tart acid levels, hints of road tar, black cherry, raspberry, and currant....Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - February 2005
89-92 Points "Opaque ruby. Intensely spicy aromas of red- and blackcurrant underpinned by tangy graphite and iron notes. Very fresh and bright, with energetic cherry and cassis flavors, good acid lift and fine, dusty tannins. Builds and gains in sweetness on the focused, persistent finish."
Crozes Hermitage 'Les Launes' Rouge
Crozes Hermitage 'Les Launes' Rouge 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
90-92 Points "Opaque purple. Powerful, textbook syrah aromas of blackberry, violet and licorice, plus a smoky mineral note. Sweet and lush on entry, then spicy and firm in the middle palate, offering black and blue fruits and floral and spice qualities. Ripe and fresh, with a juicy, impressively long finish featuring notes of candied flowers and minerals."
Crozes Hermitage 'Les Launes' Rouge 2009
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
90 Points "The finest Crozes-Hermitage Les Launes to date is the 2009. Its dense purple color is accompanied by sweet strawberry and black cherry fruit notes intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, licorice and smoke (even though this cuvee is all tank-fermented and aged.). A sleeper of the vintage as well as a great value, it should drink well for a decade."
Wine Enthusiast - Joe Czerwinski - October 2011
90 Points Editor's Choice "Ample black cherry fruit is enhanced by layers of floral and herbal complexity, while the tannins are supple, allowing the flavors to linger elegantly on the finish."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - June 15, 2011
91 Points "Stylish, with lots of mocha, spice and black tea aromas backed by velvety-textured blackberry and raspberry fruit. The long, suave finish stretches out nicely, with the fruit and spice hanging on."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
91 Points "An amazing bargain, it is the finest wine they have yet produced under this moniker. Seductive notes of black cherries, cassis, licorice, tobacco leaf and pepper are followed by an opulent, consumer-friendly but authentic Northern Rhone to drink over the next 5-6 years."
Crozes Hermitage 'Les Launes' Rouge 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Crozes Hermitage 'Les Launes' Rouge 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Crozes Hermitage 'Les Launes' Rouge 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Crozes Hermitage 'Les Launes' Rouge 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Crozes Hermitage Les Launes Blanc
Crozes Hermitage Les Launes Blanc 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Gigondas
Gigondas 2005 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 28, 2007
89-92 Points "A strong effort...An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of crushed rocks, black raspberries, sweet cherries, and spice. Medium-bodied and elegant, this cuvee is reminiscent of a fine red Burgundy. It should drink well for a decade."
Hermitage 'Domaine des Tourettes'
Hermitage 'Domaine des Tourettes' 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
92-94 Points "Inky purple. Deeply pitched aromas of cassis, blueberry, Moroccan spices and violet, plus a strong note of smoky minerals. Lush, expansive black and blue fruit compote flavors are impressively fresh, with a lively mineral spine adding back-end cut. Very deep but surprisingly lively, with strong finishing sweetness, clarity and smokiness."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
95-97 Points "The opaque black-colored 2010 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is followed by notes of creme de cassis, barbecue smoke, graphite, spring flowers and grilled meat. With superb concentration, acidity, extract and richness as well as a boatload of tannin to shed, it will need 10-15 years of cellaring and should keep for half a century."
Hermitage 'Domaine des Tourettes' 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - April 25, 2012
93 Points "Ripe and flashy, with lots of roasted fig, plum and blackberry fruit, though it’s held in check for now by muscular ganache, maduro tobacco and freshly roasted espresso notes. Very grippy on the finish, but fine acidity is buried deep, boding well for the cellar."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
91+ Points (?) "Inky purple. Deeply pitched aromas of cherry and cassis, with licorice and black pepper nuances adding complexity. Chewy and dense, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors lifted by a spicy note on the back half. Finishes with gentle tannic grip and persistent spice and smoke notes. Give this masculine, brawny wine at least a few more years of bottle age."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
98 Points "The magnificent 2009 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes boasts a black/purple color as well as a wonderful nose of creosote, incense, charcoal, blackberry jam, acacia flowers, white chocolate and a hint of espresso roast. Full-bodied and unctuously textured with low acidity and magnificent density, this 2009 can be drunk in 5-6 years or cellared for 30-50 years."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
95-97+ Points "One of the top wines in this portfolio is the 2009 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette. Aged in 50% new oak, it exhibits abundant aromas of creme de cassis as well as hints of acacia flowers, crushed rocks and graphite along with massive concentration, full body, a dense style, a boatload of tannin and enormous extract. ...Jacques Granges thinks this is the finest example of this cuvee he has yet made. I can't think of any reason to disagree."
Hermitage 'Les Bessards'
Hermitage 'Les Bessards' 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
94-96 Points "Dark purple. Exotic perfume of candied dark berries, Indian spices and potpourri; so spicy that I'd have guessed this wine was made with whole clusters, but Grange destems all of his syrah. Bright and focused, offering sweet, palate-staining black raspberry and cassis flavors. Finishes sappy, spicy and very long, with lingering floral and mineral notes and outstanding clarity."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
96-100 Points "The 2010 Hermitage Les Bessards offers up scents of lead pencil shavings, barbecue smoke, black currants, blackberries, licorice and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, powerful, rich and extremely tannic, it should only be purchased by connoisseurs with cold cellars and abundant patience, as it requires 10-15 years of cellaring, and should still be drinking beautifully in 50-60 years when most of us are pushing up daisies."
Hermitage 'Les Bessards' 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - April 25, 2012
95 Points "Dense and chewy, with lots of espresso, loam and roasted apple wood notes... backed by ganache, plum sauce and steeped blackberry notes. There’s lots of grip on the finish, with violet and anise notes deeply buried. On the dark side of the spectrum for sure, but with superior range nonetheless."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
94 Points "Opaque purple. Heady scents of mineral-accented dark berries, cherry-vanilla, licorice and incense, along with a smoky topnote. Lush and creamy in texture, with incisive, palate-staining blackberry, blueberry and licorice pastille flavors. Silky tannins build on the finish, which leaves behind notes of blue fruit compote, vanilla and exotic spices. This wine is almost shockingly approachable now but is built for the long haul."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
100 Points "The most prodigious wine I have yet tasted from the Delas portfolio is the brilliant 2009 Hermitage Les Bessards. Its inky/purple color is followed by abundant notes of acacia flowers, blackberries, black currants, new saddle leather, roasted meats and graphite, amazing concentration, a skyscraper-like texture, supple but significant tannin and low acidity. The result is a perfect example of Syrah from this great vineyard site in Hermitage. It will offer immense pleasure for 40+ years."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
99-100 Points "Delas's two luxury cuvees are both candidates for perfection. One of the vintage's greatest Hermitages is undeniably the 2009 Hermitage Les Bessards... Built like a skyscraper, it boasts a black/purple color as well as notes of barbecue smoke, burning embers, creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, white flowers and powdered rocks. Full-bodied, dense and enormous in the mouth with perfect harmony..."
Hermitage 'Les Bessards' 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
97 points "The limited production blockbuster 2006 Hermitage Les Bessards is exquisite. Opaque inky/purple-colored with a stunning perfume of white chocolate, creme de cassis, incense, and camphor, this 2006 possesses fabulous fruit, full-bodied power, awesome concentration, and sweet, noble tannins. A classic in the making..."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
92-94 Points "Glass-staining purple. Pungent blackberry and spiced plum aromas are brightened by zesty minerals and fresh violet. Lush and deeply concentrated but impressively lively, with energetic raspberry and blackcurrant flavors joined by vibrant minerality on the close. A strikingly precise, flavor-packed wine that smoothly joins power with elegance."
Hermitage 'Les Bessards' 2005 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
93(+?) Points "Opaque ruby. Fresh cherry and boysenberry on the nose, with seductive floral and mineral qualities adding complexity. Becomes more pungent with air, picking up tobacco, spicecake and dried violet scents. Juicy dark fruit flavors spread across the palate, ending with good mineral snap. This is very intriguing, as well as quite young."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
94-96 points "The 2005 Hermitage Les Bessards is a brilliant, brilliant wine. Opaque bluish purple to the rim with a nose of graphite, spring flowers, creme de cassis, and blueberry, the wine is super-rich, full-bodied, with frightening levels of concentration as well as tannin and good acidity. This is a long-term prospect...This is a wine that will last 50-60+ years, and not be approachable for at least a decade, and that may be optimistic. Nevertheless, this is extraordinary stuff for those with 19th century palates."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
94-97 Points "Inky ruby. Powerful, pungent cassis, blackberry and graphite aromas. Huge, deeply concentrated dark fruit flavors completely absorb the tannins, giving this an almost liqueur-like impression. The fruit actually builds on the remarkably powerful, sweet finish, taking a darker turn to mulberry and boysenberry. An Hermitage with outstanding clarity and length."
Hermitage 'Les Bessards' 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - May 15, 2007
92 Points "Muscular but well-balanced, with spice and cocoa aromas giving way to red licorice, currant, fig, truffle and mineral notes. The long, fine-grained finish shows persistence. Drink now through 2014."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
94 points "The top cuvee of the house...is the Hermitage Les Bessards, only made in the best vintages. The 2004 Hermitage Les Bessards has dense ruby/purple color and a beautifully sweet nose of creme de cassis, underbrush, mineral, and subtle oak. The tannins are relatively supple, but the wine is rich, full-bodied, and atypically thick and intense for a 2004. This is a beauty and reminiscent of Chave’s brilliant 2004 red Hermitage, combining both power and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
94 Points "Ruby-red. Very pungent, deep aromas of tobacco- and underbrush-laced red and blackcurrant. Powerful and rich, showing impressive sweetness to its potent cassis and blackberry flavors. Really stains the palate, finishing with exceptional purity and mineral tones. Whatever tannins are here (and you know there are plenty) are completely absorbed by the sheer fruit mass."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
91-93 Points "The excellent 2004 Hermitage Les Bessards displays more blackberry and mineral notes along with the tell-tale creme de cassis, smoke, and licorice. This superb effort is clearly the finest wine in Delas’ 2004 portfolio. Give it 2-4 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 15-16 years."
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - February 2005
93 Points "The Bessards vineyard is right at the heart of the Hermitage hill. Delas only makes this wine in top years (no 2002, for example), and the quality shows in the aromas of black fruits and violets, the flavors of huge dense fruit and powerful tannins. This is serious wine, which promises at least 10 years of aging."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - January 2003
94 Points "Dark red. Knockout multidimensional nose is at once pungent and refined, offering notes of redcurrant, wild strawberry, woodsmoke, gunflint, molasses and minerals. Wonderfully suave and elegant but also amazingly penetrating and gripping, with sharply etched flavors of redcurrant and minerals and strong, peppery soil tones. This wine clings so stubbornly to the palate that it's literally hard to spit. A young Hermitage of great class and complexity."
Hermitage 'Les Bessards' 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast Magazine - J.C. - November 15, 2006
95 Points “Incredibly rich, velvety-textured and long, this is a great example of Hermitage from a superripe vintage. It’s dense like fruitcake without being excessively heavy, and boast such a panopoly of nuance as to be spell binding, ranging from spice and herbs to black olive and espresso. Wow! Drink now - 2025.”
Wine Spectator - J.M. - May 15, 2006
97 Points "Tremendous depth of fruit right from the start, with layers of freshly crushed blackberry, fig paste and currant confiture, all carried by seamless, fine-grained tannins while truffle and cocoa notes fill out the background. Enthralling finish is strenched out by underlying minerality and exotic spice notes, but still remains firmly planted in its terroir."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
96 Points "The luxury cuvee, the inky/blue/purple-hued 2003 Hermitage Les Bessards exhibits a huge perfume of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and scorched earth. With superb richness, magnificent intensity, and a full-bodied, tannic finish, it will benefit from 5-10 years of cellaring, and should age for 30+ years."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - February 2005
92 - 96 Points "Saturated ruby. Roasted black fruits, gunflint, minerals and a whiff of meat on the nose: very Bessards. Dense, silky and suave, with great depth of chocolaty black fruit. As large as this is, it's not at all heavy. In fact, this shows superb mineral lift in the mouth and explosive length. Fabulous fine-grained tannins coat the entire palate."
Hermitage 'Les Bessards' 1999 Archived REVIEWS
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Blanc
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Blanc 2004 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
93 Points "The 2004 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette blanc is brilliant. It offers gorgeous aromas of rose water, hazelnuts, smoke, and unctuous, buttery citrus as well as honeysuckle. Except for its floral component, this stunning white Hermitage tastes like a top-notch Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. Delas also does a superb job with Condrieu, and 2004 is an excellent vintage for this tiny appellation."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Blanc
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Blanc 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - J.M. - May 15, 2006
93 Points "Lots of up-front butter, almond cream and pear aromas and flavors, with a creamy texture that just sails along. Long fruit-and-butter-filled finish."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - February 2005
90 Points "Bright green-tinged yellow. Aromas of crystallized yellow fruits, honeysuckle and fresh herbs, with a whiff of banana. Fat, dense and suave; very ripe and thick but quite dry. Seamless, high-alcohol wine with finishing flavors of honeycomb and damp earth."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2004
93 Points "Delas Freres’ white wine cuvees have improved immensely under the administration of Jacques Granges. The 2003 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette blanc (100% Marsanne) displays a slight greenish hue to its oily, light gold color. With surprisingly good acidity as well as fabulous fruit (reminiscent of almond paste), buttered popcorn, honeysuckle, and citrus oil, this deep, full-bodied, fleshy Hermitage provides a tasty mouthful of dry white wine. It should drink well young, close down around age 4-5, and re-emerge at age 10-15."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Blanc
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Blanc 2002 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - February 2005
91 Points "Full yellow. Very fresh aromas of peach, lemon, fresh herbs and minerals. Juicy, lemony and brisk, with sharply delineated flavors. Much more minerally than the 2003. Finishes long, sappy and brisk, with lovely cut and repeating citrus and mineral flavors."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge 2007 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
90-92 points "The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette offers notes of smoked herbs, red and black fruits, medium to full body, sweet tannins, and a more sensual personality. It is an up-front, fruit-driven effort that should provide easy-going drinking over the next 15 years."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge 2006 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator Insider - James Molesworth - June 10, 2009
92 Points "Silky and alluring, with lovely mocha and espresso aromatics followed by lush black cherry, fig paste and crushed currant notes. Fleshy and pure on the finish, with solid underlying minerality."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
94 points "Its dense purple color is accompanied by notes of pen ink, graphite, creme de cassis, licorice, and scorched earth. Full-bodied and deep, with good acidity, superb concentration and purity as well as high tannins, this excellent Hermitage should be at its best between 2015-2035."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
91-93 Points "Inky purple. Strong floral and cherry scents are complicated by cured meat and smoky minerals. Tightly wound red fruit flavors show excellent depth and clarity, with slow-building sweetness. Very elegant if painfully young Hermitage, finishing with impressive cut and length."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge 2005 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - January 30, 2008
93 Points "Sleek and tightly grained, with a very racy core of blackberry and boysenberry fruit covered with sweet spice, fruitcake and mocha notes, all backed by a long, mineral- and graphite-filled finish. Best from 2010 through 2020."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
90(+?) Points "Ruby-red. Pungent dark berry and kirsch aromas are youthfully brooding, picking up a subtle licorice quality with air. Impressively concentrated but a bit ungiving right now, offering deep, chewy dark berry preserve flavors and serious tannic grip."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
92-94 points "The dense purple-colored 2005 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette is a powerful and masculine wine with huge volume and a wonderful, sweet nose of blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with crushed rocks as well as a floral component. Excruciatingly tannic but massive in the mouth, this wine will require at least 10-12 years of patience, and last 30-40 years. It is a monster effort, tannic, backward, but impressively full as well as formidably endowed."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
90-93 Points "Deep ruby. Powerful, deeply concentrated cassis and blackberry aromas complicated by tobacco and espresso notes. Very rich and dense, with sweet, liqueur-like dark berry and cherry flavors and firm but harmonious tannins. Finishes luscious and sweet, with impressive concentration and length."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - February 2008
89 Points "With air, fleshy blackberry fruit, warm earth and stony minerality emerge from under generous vanilla tones of oak. Give it another three to five years for the fruit and oak to come into balance."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - May 15, 2007
91 Points "Tangy, ripe and fresh for the vintage, with juicy layers of raspberry and currant fruit woven with bright mineral, spice and graphite notes. The long, fresh, acidity-driven finish lets this stretch out nicely. Drink now through 2013."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
91 points "From tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, the 2004 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette has a dense ruby/purple color, a big, sweet nose of forest floor, acacia flowers, creme de cassis, and pepper. It is deep, full-bodied, with beautiful fruit intensity, a lush texture in the mid-palate, but then the tannic structure takes over. This is an undeniable success for the vintage. It should drink well for 15 or more years."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
91 Points "Deep red. Expansive, fruit-driven and floral on the nose, with rich, spicy cherry and blackberry aromas deepened by tobacco and cracked pepper. Lush and full, with sweet black cherry and cassis flavors lifted by gentle acidity. Smoked meat and licorice notes appear on the long, juicy finish. This is built to age."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge 2002 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - January 2005
89 Points "Medium red-ruby. Expressive aromas of blackberry, gunflint, pepper and mint. Very suave and lively in the mouth, with well-delineated flavors of raw cassis, pepper and spices. Finishes aromatic and persistent, with lively pepper and spice notes. A very juicy wine that should be flexible at the dinner table."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - February 2005
90 Points "This is a blend from three of the top Hermitage vineyards: L'Ermite, le Sabot and Les Bessards. It is powerful and rich, with black fruits, spices and leather aromas. To taste, there are barnyard flavors and dense tannins. It will certainly age, probably over 10 years."
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de la Tourette' Rouge 2000 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 2003
90 Points "The deep ruby/purple-colored 2000 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette (which includes the declassified Les Bessards) offers up aromas of creme de cassis, creosote, vanilla, and Asian spices. Dense, rich, and medium to full-bodied, this elegant, finesse-styled Hermitage has taken on more weight as the result of the addition of Les Bessards to the blend. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2017."
Hermitage 'Marquise de Tourette' Rouge
Hermitage 'Marquise de Tourette' Rouge 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - J.M. - May 15, 2006
93 Points "Fresh and racy, with lots of red currant and raspberry fruit backed by a strong, minerally spine. Darker toast, spice and fruit notes emerge on the finish, but this stays remarkably fresh and open throughout. Deftly done."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - February 2005
89 - 93 Points "Medium ruby. Superripe aromas of blackberry, liquer and spearmint; faintly medicinal. Superripe, fat and sweet; a bit porty... undeniably rich, chocolaty and deep, with lurking minerality... Finishes very long, with huge, powerful tannins."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2004
92-95 Points "The impressive, deep black/purple-colored 2003 Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette (only 40% of the normal crop was produced) offers up a sweet perfume of licorice-infused creme de cassis, minerals, and flowers. With great intensity, full body, and a long, concentrated finish, it needs plenty of time in the bottle despite lower than normal acidity. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+"
Merlot Vin de Pays
Merlot Vin de Pays 2006 Archived REVIEWS
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon'
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon' 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
91-93 Points "Inky purple. Wild, highly perfumed aromas of candied dark fruits, incense and violet, with a vibrant overlay of peppery spices. Juicy, palate-staining cassis and blueberry flavors show excellent clarity, with a bright mineral note providing lift. Finishes on an intense floral note, with lingering mineral and spice nuances."
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon' 2009
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
92 Points "Opaque ruby. Exotically perfumed nose offers dark berry liqueur, Indian spices and blood orange, plus a sexy floral note that gains strength with air. Juicy and precise, with very good depth to its sweet blackberry and mulberry flavors. Finishes with very good power and lingering florality. This sexy wine is already very easy to drink."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
94 Points "The 2009 St.-Joseph Francois de Tournon is showing even better than it did last year out of barrel. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of graphite, smoke, blackberries, cassis, road tar and truffles. With layers of fruit, an unctuous texture and tremendous purity and depth, this stunning effort is a great sleeper of this fabulous northern Rhone vintage. It should drink well for 10-15 years or longer."
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon' 2007 Archived REVIEWS
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon' 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
90 points "Delas’ St.-Joseph Francois de Tournon is usually a brilliant offering, and the 2006 is no exception. A more textured, bigger, richer effort, it possesses a dense purple color as well as notes of crushed stones, black pepper, blackberries, and currants, and stunning concentration, texture, and length."
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon' 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - May 15, 2007
89 Points "Elegant and fresh, with black cherry and plum notes woven with garrigue, mineral and olive notes. The finish is long and fine-grained. Drink now through 2009."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
89 points "The 2004 St.-Joseph Francois de Tournon has a dark ruby color and notes of damp earth intermixed with sweet cherry, raspberry, and old barriques notes. It is elegant, ripe, with some minerality and a floral note as well as crisp acidity. This seems to build incrementally in the mouth, and has some tannins to shed in the finish. Give this wine 1-2 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 10-15."
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon' 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast Magazine - J.C. - November 15, 2006
87 Points “Shows layers of rich, dark fruit but still seems a bit tough and ruggedly tannic. Cola, chocolate and black plum provide a very good base, but could use a touch more suppleness and nuance.”
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
91 Points "An outstanding effort, the mineral and floral-scented 2003 St.-Joseph Francois de Tournon’s dense purple color is followed by a beautiful nose of minerals, white flowers, crushed rocks, creme de cassis, and blackberries. This tannic vin de garde ideally needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 10-15."
St. Joseph 'Francois de Tournon' 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - W.E. - February 2005
87 Points "An easy-drinking Syrah from the Northern Rhone, this medium-weight wine boasts aromas of horse sweat, black pepper and roasted cherries, backed by flavors of black cherries and dried spices. It's plump and juicy with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now-2010."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - January 2004
88 Points "Medium red. Expressive aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, cherry liqueur, gunflint, iron, leather and pepper. Juicy, leanish and pure, with brisk, sharply delineated flavors of red fruits, pepper and spices. Nicely intense, granitic Saint-Joseph with rather light tannins."
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys'
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys' 2006 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
89 Points "Medium yellow. Fresh peach and floral honey scents are complicated by exotic Indian spices and dusty minerals. Juicy pit fruit flavors offer impressive depth, with slow-building minerals adding urgency to the finish. Became more floral with air and also picked up zesty citrus flavors, suggesting that this will repay cellaring."
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys'
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys' 2005 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
90 Points "Ruby-red. Fresh blackberry and kirsch on the nose, with suave Asian spices and fresh violet adding complexity. Deep, sweet red berry fruit, cherry-vanilla and candied licorice carry through the finish. This is awfully seductive, and delicious right now."
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys'
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys' 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - February 12, 2007
90 Points "Juicy for an '04, with a nice core of plum and blackberry fruit, along with mineral, game and briar notes. Nice flesh on the finish. A new wine for Delas, made from a blend of vineyards up and down the appellation, from Mauves to Annonay. Drink now through 2009."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
90 Points "Dark red. Deep, rich, brooding aromas of pungent, musky plum and kirsch Firm, well-focused dark fruit flavors shows good depth and sweetness and are nicely framed by gentle, velvety tannins. The creamy finish features a gentle acid lift and impressive length."
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys' Blanc
St. Joseph 'Les Challeys' Blanc 2005 Archived REVIEWS
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2010
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
92-94 Points "Opaque purple. Mineral-accented black raspberry and cherry on the hugely aromatic nose. Sweet, penetrating red and dark berry preserve flavors show excellent depth and energy, with a late note of candied licorice adding a darker tone. The finish features excellent focus and cut, and resonating sweetness."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
91-93 Points "A limited production offering from older vines planted in one of the finest terroirs of the appellation, the 2010 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine possesses outstanding fruit, depth, power and purity along with zesty acidity, a striking minerality and a long finish."
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2009
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - April 25, 2012
92 Points "...A wall of mocha and charcoal in front of the core of currant, blackberry and linzer torte flavors, but there’s a racy graphite spine and a lipsmacking pastis hint at the end."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - April 2012
92+ Points (?) "Saturated ruby. Red berry preserves, cherry-vanilla and anise on the intensely perfumed nose. Sappy and broad, offering pliant raspberry and cherry flavors and suggestions of coconut and candied violet. In a distinctly exotic style and very primary right now. Finishes sweet and very long, with resonating vanilla and spice notes."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2011
96 Points "The blockbuster 2009 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a remarkable nose of black fruits, graphite, ink, incense and subtle barbecue smoke. Elegant yet massive and rich, with an unctuous texture and good underlying acidity..., this deep, full-bodied, powerful 2009 should drink well for two decades or more."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2011
92-95 Points "One of the top three or four wines of the appellation, the 2009 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine is a seriously endowed, opaque purple-colored effort revealing notes of ink, lead pencil shavings, blackberries, toast, licorice, pepper and a liqueur of minerality."
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2007 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator Insider - James Molesworth - June 10, 2009
92 Points "Very fresh, with nice underlying drive to the black cherry, black tea, incense and plum sauce notes. The long, iron-tinged finish has more grip than most in the vintage. Really solid."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
90-92 points "Another stunning effort is the 2007 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine. Dominated by its fruit character (raspberries and cherries), it also reveals some smoked herb and earthy notes in its full-bodied personality. Pure, rich, and well-textured, this superb St.-Joseph should drink well for a decade or more."
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2006 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
94 points "The flagship offering from St.-Joseph, and one of the three greatest wines of the appellation, is Delas’ 2006 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine. A more long-term effort (2-3 years of cellaring is recommended) with additional tannin, structure, concentration, and depth, it is a wine of great nobility and terroir. The 2006 exhibits plenty of earthy blackberry and sweet black currant fruit along with hints of graphite, licorice, smoked meats, and powdered rocks."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
90-03 "Inky ruby. Vibrant cherry and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by hot asphalt and licorice, with a sexy floral quality building in the glass. Sweeter and darker on the palate, with deep dark fruit compote flavors, supple tannins and a jolt of zesty minerals on the finish. Reveals excellent vivacity and cut."
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2005 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2008
91 Points "Bright ruby. Zesty, tightly focused red and dark berry aromas are complicated by dusty minerals and cracked pepper. Fleshy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors gain weight with air but maintain a lively personality, finishing with excellent sweetness and length. No excess fat on this."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
90-93 points "An outstanding effort is the 2005 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine. Blueberry, acacia flower, crushed rock, and cold steel are aromas that seem to jump from this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, backward, tannic and rich, this wine needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should drink well for 15 or more. It is a very impressive 2005."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
91-94 Points "Ruby-red. Spicy, mineral-driven red fruit aromas are complicated by tobacco, violet and graphite notes. Peppery, zesty redcurrant and raspberry flavors show good depth and impressive precision. This highly promising wine has a nervy, graphite-driven finish."
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2004 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2007
90 points "The limited production but exceptional 2004 St.-Joseph Ste.-Epine has a deep ruby/purple color and a big, sweet raspberry, cherry, and peppery nose with hints of wet rocks and underbrush. The wine is zesty, rich, with big body and terrific fruit. This is an unqualified success for the vintage, and certainly well worth checking out. It should drink beautifully for 10-12 years."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - February 12, 2007
91 Points "Inviting, with crushed plum and currant fruit backed by nice dark cocoa, tobacco and olive notes. Smoky finish shows a nice mineral streak, which is long and tangy. Drink now through 2009."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - January 2007
92 Points "Deep ruby. Strong mineral notes accent bright red and dark berry aromas. Lush and sweet, but with impressive acid and mineral lift; picks up a graphite tone to complement the ripe, clean blackberry and cherry flavors. A licorice note adds depth and complexity on the long, sappy finish. I really like this style."
Wine Enthusiast - J.C. - November 15, 2006
92 Points "Bursts with bold pepper and raspberry aromas and flavors, but they're elegant as much as they're potent. Powerful fruit, supple tannins and a long, structured finish make this one of the top Saint-Josephs. Drink now - 2015."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
89-91 Points "The potentially outstanding 2004 St. Joseph St. Epine possesses crisp black cherry fruit interwoven with road tar, flowers and minerals. It possesses the finest texture and concentration of any of the aforementioned wines as well as the most persistent finish. Drink it over the next decade."
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - J.M. - May 15, 2006
90 Points "Lots of crushed blackberry and plum aromas and flavors, with a ripe, dusty finish."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - February 2006
93 Points "St.-Joseph enjoyed a superb vintage in 2003, as evidenced by the 2003 St.-Joseph St.-Epine. Sadly, there are only 2,200 bottles of this amazing wine. Its opaque inky/purple color is accompanied by sumptuous aromas of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, crushed rocks, and flowers. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich as well as elegant and fresh, this huge St.-Joseph needs 2-4 years of bottle age, and should last for 15+."
St. Joseph Sainte-Epine 2001 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - February 2005
89 Points "With fruit coming from the Saint-Epine vineyard, this wine comes from the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation. There is plenty of rich fruit, generous and packed with black plums and sweet jelly fruits. There is acidity and a streak of spicy wood that provides great balance."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - January 2004
90 Points "Good red-ruby color. Ripe, brooding aromas of plum, cherry and raspberry complicated by hints of pepper, game and eucalyptus. Sweet but taut in the mouth, with an urgent quality and lovely peppery tang. Very concentrated, vibrant Saint-Joseph with more density and extract than the Francois de Tournon. Finishes with rich, ripe tannins and very good length."
Winery
Winery Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - April 2009
"In the late 1990s,...the quality of Delas Freres was soaring, and they are now one of the three top negociant firms in the Rhone Valley. Delas Freres has been the property of Champagne Deutz since 1996, and belongs to the same owners as Champagne Louis Roederer. The owners as well as the Directeur Technique, the brilliant Jacques Grange, and winemaker Jean-Francois Farinet deserve credit for the rise in quality at this operation. The Delas Freres wines continue to go from strength to strength...The current portfolio includes strong 2006s and very good 2007s."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - October 2008
"This great northern Rhone negociant, spearheaded by their brilliant oenologist and winemaker, Jacques Grange, has consistently made fabulous wines from the northern appellations, but only recently upgraded the quality of their southern Rhone selections. These are the finest southern Rhones they make, and their Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit ranks alongside the offerings from Guigal and Chapoutier."
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - February 12, 2007
"At Delas, [Winemaker] Jacques Granges deftly maintained the house style of silky textures and alluring spice notes. His wines make a great contrast with the gutsy, burly reds from Marc Sorrel. Sorrel, 58, took over his family's small (10 acres) estate after his father, Henri, passed away in 1984."