Delas Frères Cornas Chante-Perdrix
Rhône, France
Vintage:2022 (Current)
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Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points
Mostly from the Saint-Pierre lieu-dit but with some Reynard and Champelrose fruit as well, the 2022 Cornas Chante-Perdrix is a pure, elegant, medium-bodied Cornas that has ample sun-kissed red and black fruits, leafy herbs, pepper, and graphite aromatics, fine yet building tannins, and a great finish. This cuvée always shines more for its complexity and elegance than sheer power, yet it still brings rock-solid concentration and depth. Drink 2025-2037.
The Wine Advocate 93 Points
The 2022 Cornas Chante Perdrix presents a fascinating paradox. It is crafted from vines in the lieux-dits Champrose, Reynards and Saint-Pierre. The first two, Champrose and Reynards, were among the earliest plots harvested in 2022, while Saint-Pierre was the very last plot harvested by Maison Delas. Revealing a broody, introverted bouquet of iris, flowers, rose and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and powerful, characterized by structured tannins and a fleshy core of fruit, leading to a long, elegant and tense finish. Despite its austere, firm character, it's perfectly crafted.
Vinous Media 91 Points
The 2022 Cornas Chante-Perdrix is rich with black fruit, graphite, licorice and hints of mocha, further layered with stemmy complexity. A ripe tannic core suggests two more years of cellaring, leading to an elongated, savory finish. This medium- to full-bodied, classy Cornas checks in at a moderate 13.30% alcohol.
Wine Spectator 93 Points
Concentrated and dense, this is still tightly wound. Wet slate and granite notes provide a solid foundation for this red's dark fruit, punctuated by spices and fine smokiness. Smoked lavender and a stylish cedar polish mark the formidable finish. One for the cellar. Best from 2027 through 2039.
JamesSuckling.com 92 Points
A bold and vibrant expression of this appellation, but without any of the heaviness or inkiness you sometimes find. Dense blackberry fruit with stacks of baking spices and a touch of hot dry earth. Powerful and slightly robust on the full-bodied palate, where the generous tannins make quite a statement. Long, moderately dry finish. A cuvee of rather early-picked vineyards close to the village with very late-picked grapes from the high-altitude St. Pierre site. Vinified with 20% whole clusters. Best from 2026.
Decanter 92 Points
Bay leaf, rosewood and cedar aromas, not terribly fruit driven. Silky on the palate, the tannins are relatively supple for a 2022. Acidity is well balanced and the use of oak seems to have worked well, helping to fill the wine out and add some weight and complexity, though it does dry the finish slightly.
Overview
The vineyard lies entirely on the commune of Cornas located on the right Rhône river bank. The Cornas wines have been invariably famous since the 10th century. They were served to kings, both in France and elsewhere. AOC status and improved quality have enabled the vineyard to regain its reputation.
Winemaking
All the grapes used in the "Chante Perdrix" cuvée are picked by hand, plot by plot, at the time they reach their optimal maturity. The winemaking takes place in traditional, open-topped concrete tanks, after 3 days pre-fermentary skin contact at cool temperatures. The fermentation continues under computer controlled temperatures between 82°F to 86°F. Typically, 20% whole cluster. Daily cap pushing down and pumping over are carried out for about 10 days. The total vatting time can be up to 20 days.
Tasting Notes
The color is an intense garnet red. In its youth, this wine has strong blackcurrant aromas. With time, the fruit aromas gradually fade, giving the way to hints of pepper and liquorice. The palate is structured and has the strongly-defined flavors that are typical from this “terroir.”
Food Pairing
Pair this wine with mixed grills such as wild mushrooms and spicy stews made with game. This wine needs at least three years of cellaring before it can open up its complexity. If kept for longer, the wine should be decanted before serving.
Technical Information
Varietals: 100% Syrah