Delas Frères Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos

Rhône, France

Vintage:2023 (Pending)

2020 (Past) | 2022 (Current) |

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Delas Frères Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos 2023
  • JS 95
  • JD 92-95

Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 92-95 Points May 2025, Jeb Dunnuck

Just across from the Clos Florentin on the other side of the Rhône River, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos is deeper hued with a gorgeously textured, medium to full-bodied style that's just about already hard to resist. Red and black fruits, game, bouquet garni, and peppery, floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish. Brought up in 30% new oak, this is a stunning wine in the making.

JamesSuckling.com 95 Points April 2025, James Suckling

Still very young and a little bit closed (with some graphite aroma), this great Crozes-Hermitage has a very compact structure and excellent concentration. But what makes it really stand out is the wonderful freshness that lights up the long, stony finish. As the wine aerates in the glass, the peppery, savory and meaty aromas of syrah unfurl like a flag in the wind. From a small, west-facing slope that looks toward the Rhone. Excellent aging potential but can be drunk from release.

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.

Winemaking

The harvest is carried out by hand, after which the grapes are destemmed and gravity-fed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Each parcel is vinified separately in order to preserve the identity of each terroir within the Clos. Extractions are conducted gently, through moderate pump-overs and punchdowns, to preserve the Syrah’s natural elegance and avoid any tannic harshness. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels, where a 15-month ageing period begins, with 30% new oak, with the aim of enhancing the cuvée’s ageing potential. A final blending is carried out in stainless steel vats, where the wine rests for a further six months to ensure optimal integration of structure and ageing.

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

After a rainy end to 2022, an exceptionally dry winter and early spring led to early and uniform budburst. The wetter late spring, with no mistral winds, was offset by favorable flowering conditions, accelerating the vegetative cycle. Veraison progressed steadily in late July. The August heatwave hastened ripening in parts of the vineyard, sometimes resulting in heterogeneity between parcels.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs well with roast beef fillet, smoked duck breast, Provençal beef stew, sautéed mushrooms.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Syrah

Aging: 21 months

Aging Potential: 10-15 years