Delas Frères Crozes Hermitage Les Launes Rouge

Rhône, France

Vintage:2020 (Past)

2021 (Current)

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Delas Frères Crozes Hermitage Les Launes Rouge 2020
  • VFTC 92
  • WS 91
  • JD 91

Reviews

View From the Cellar

92 Points

September 2023, John Gilman

“The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage “Les Launes” from Delas Frères comes in at thirteen percent octane in this vintage and offers up excellent depth and complexity on both the nose and palate. A small percentage of the cuvée is aged in oak casks to color the blend with just a touch of oak influence. The fine bouquet wafts from the glass in a complex and smoky blend of black raspberries, smoked meats, black tea, pepper, a fine base of soil, a touch of lavender, gentle toasty oak notes and a topnote of bonfire. On the palate the wine is deep, focused and full-bodied, with a lovely structure, superb depth at the core, good soil signature, ripe tannins and excellent balance 81 on the long, complex and promising finish. This is certainly approachable today, but it is still a puppy and three to five years in the cellar will pay handsome dividends. 2023-2050.”

Jeb Dunnuck

91 Points

August 11, 2022, Jeb Dunnuck

“A terrific value in Northern Rhône Syrah, the 2020 Crozes-Hermitage Les Launes offers a juicy, medium-bodied, vibrant style as well as both red and blue fruits, notes of peppery herbs, violets, and bacon fat-like nuances on the nose. It's a beautiful Syrah to enjoy over the coming decade.”

Wine Spectator

91 Points

December 31, 2021, James Molesworth

“Fresh and focused, with cassis and red cherry coulis notes streaming through. Laced with light tar, violet and anise notes, showing a pretty twinge of iron throughout as well. Drink now through 2024.”

Overview

The village of Crozes-Hermitage lies just north of Hermitage proper. The appellation of Crozes-Hermitage is the largest in the northern Rhône valley, covering nearly 2,100 acres. The region consists of primarily syrah grapes that are aromatic, rich and full-bodied. Delas has been buying grapes from family growers in this region for over 100 years.

Winemaking

The soil varies from granite sub-soils in the North to both fluvialglacial alluviums and terraces of rolled river bed stones, mixed with loess in the South. The climate has a southerly exposure in the hillside areas. The "Mistral" is the dominant wind. The grapes are handpicked at optimum ripeness and all grapes are de-stemmed. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures of 82°F to 90°F in open concrete tanks. After devatting and pressing, malolactic fermentation is carried out in tanks. A small portion of the wine is aged in barrels that gives just a touch of oak to the final blend. The rest stays in tanks to preserve the full fruit aromas. These wines are then racked regularly to provide them with natural stabilization of their components.

Tasting Notes

The wine has a deep garnet red color. It is fruity on the nose with strong aromas of cassis, plums and a touch of violets. The tannic structure is ample and well-rounded, which assures good aging potential.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs well with game, grilled meats and rich foods and sauces.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Syrah