Delas Frères Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos
Rhône, France
Vintage:2022 (Current)
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Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
The 2022 Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos is a solid step up and has a perfumed, ripe, floral, singular style. Red and black berries, black licorice, flowers, leather, and some meaty nuances all define the aromatics, and it's another sun-kissed yet elegant, balanced effort. It has plenty of tannins and should age for a solid 10-15 years. Drink 2025-2040.
Wine Spectator 94 Points
A seductive core of red fruit is flanked by cigar box and pepper on a silky palate amply dusted in graphite, cured meat and sandalwood smoke. Simmers with inner density and energy yet manages to stay light on its feet as this stretches on and on. Harmonious and seamless. Drink now through 2030.
JamesSuckling.com 94 Points
This single-vineyard Crozes-Hermitage has excellent integration of fresh plum fruit and spicy oak with a lot of licorice and some meaty complexity. A touch of something balsamic develops in the glass. Impressive concentration for just 12.5% alcohol, the tannins building to an imposing crescendo. A pure syrah matured exclusively in Burgundian oak casks, of which 20% were new. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.
Overview
A renowned single-vineyard cuvée, Le Clos (Saint Georges) embodies an exceptional terroir, facing west, on the oldest terraces of Crozes-Hermitage, closest to the Rhône River. This 2.5 hectares vineyard, with a gentle slope, is naturally ventilated by the river, allowing it to retain a beautiful freshness. Renowned since 1857, this historic site, enclosed by a protective wall and rich in biodiversity, produces a rare and exclusive cuvée. Made from 100% Syrah.
This cuvée is a true interpretation of a unique place and terroir in Crozes-Hermitage. One of the most complex expressions of Syrah, combining the power of structure with an aromatic palette of fruits and flowers. A stunning expression of strength and finesse, a wine made for aging which reminds the Crozes Hermitage from the north of the appellation.
This wine is only produced in the very best years and its production is deliberately limited to 7,000 bottles per year.
Winemaking
The soil varies from granite subsoils in the North to both fluvial-glacial 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. “Le Clos” grapes are harvested manually at optimum maturity. Fermentation is carried out in the traditional way in open-topped concrete tanks, following a two-day period of skin contact at low temperature. Fermentation follows at controlled temperatures from 82°F to 86°F. Daily cap pushing down and pumping over is kept up for about 10 days, with a total maceration period up to 20 days. Maturation lasts for 14 to 16 months in oak barrels, which have already held wine for one to three years. These are regularly racked in order to provide the necessary oxygen to the tannins for an optimum maturing.
Tasting Notes
The color is deep, ruby with garnet reflections. The nose develops aromas of stewed dark fruits—blackcurrant and blackberry. On the palate, the wine reveals, in perfect balance, great delicacy, volume, and smoothness. The finish ends with notes of very ripe black cherries.
Harvest Notes
2022 was the driest year since 2011, with 200 mm less than the average. After a late budbreak, a warm spring accelerated ripening, leading to an early vintage. The heatwave limited yields but ensured a healthy harvest.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs well with a variety of grilled meats.
Technical Information
Varietals: 100% Syrah