Weekend Addition 4-4-20

 

Known for crafting some of the Northern Rhone’s most powerful wines, Delas is a signature producer in a region with no shortage of legendary names. It is thanks to their significant holdings throughout the region that allow Delas to not only produce some of the region’s finest expressions, including their Hermitage Les Bessards, but also some of its best values. Wines like the St Joseph Francois de Tournon and Chante Perdrix Cornas prove that world-class Northern Rhone wines don’t necessarily have to break the bank.

With consistently strong scores from some of the world’s most respected critics, including a perfect score on their 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, Delas’ wines no longer fly under the radar. However, even with the recent acclaim, Delas has kept their pricing reasonable. So, for those looking to experience what ambition tastes like in the Northern Rhone today, without the sticker shock, look no further.

To make your buying decisions even easier, we’re dropping the price on some of Delas’ top 2015 bottlings, taking them from great buys to must buys.  These prices won’t last for long, so grab some now!


Subscriber Special Pricing Valid Until Monday, April 6th at 6PM PT

In Stock Now:

Delas Freres Cornas Chante Perdrix, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) Was $44, Now $39 Subscriber Special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Hot Wine! Offers a delicious core of gently mulled blueberry, blackberry and black currant fruit that is matched by a mix of floral, mineral and singed spice notes throughout. The long chalky spine is well-buried on the finish, letting all the elements play out suavely through the finish. Best from 2021 through 2036. 1,100 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Cornas Chante Perdrix is a blend of several parcels, vinified in concrete and aged primarily in oak. It’s dark and concentrated, although admittedly not the most muscular Cornas. Black currant and cedar notes combine along with peppery hints of Montreal smoked meat to yield a savory impression. It’s all held together by fine-grained, dusty tannins, which leave a lingering soft texture on the long, licorice-tinged finish. Already enjoyable, it should develop well for 10-12 years or more.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Dark purple. Expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, smoky Indian spices and olive, with a suave floral nuance that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but energetic as well, offering palate-staining blueberry and violet pastille flavors and building spiciness. Rounded tannins add gentle grip to a strikingly long penetrating finish that clings with strong tenacity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $53

Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) Was $219, Now $199 Subscriber Special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The top cuvée from Delas is the 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, and it’s always 100% Syrah from the steep, broken granite soils of the Bessards lieu-dit. Aged 18 months in 30% new barrels, its purple/plum color is followed by a huge nose of blackcurrants, graphite, toasted spice, crushed rocks and saddle leather. Powerful, massively concentrated, and tannic, it has a broad, expansive, heavenly texture, a thick mid-palate (you could almost use a fork for this beauty), and a great finish. Despite the richness level, it stays balanced and graceful on the palate, and is never over the top or heavy. It’s a perfect Hermitage that will start to shine with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for three decades or more. Bravo!”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection! There’s a striking balance here calibrating bold, almost muscular ripeness against an invigorating granite edge. This wine is plump and full bodied, full of supple blackberry and plum flavors balanced by pert acidity and taut, penetrating tannins. It should be in peak from 2020–2035 but hold further.”
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The top cuvée is the 2015 Hermitage les Bessards, which comes from the middle to lower portion of the steep, granite hillside known as Bessards, unquestionably one of the best terroirs for Syrah in the world. Its inky purple color is followed by a full-bodied, rich, thrillingly concentrated red that has huge tannin, bright acidity and a solid mid-palate concentration. It still tastes like it just came from the press and will need to be forgotten for a decade. As normal, it’s completely destemmed and will see 18 months in 30% new oak.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Inky ruby. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, along with complicating suggestions of smoky minerals, candied flowers, olive and vanilla. Deep, chewy and expansive in the mouth, offering impressively concentrated dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and salty olive flavors that are complicated by a hint of smoky minerality and a building floral pastille note. Distinctly rich and powerful but surprisingly graceful as well, showing noteworthy clarity and mineral-driven thrust on the strikingly long finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $223

Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) Was $36, Now $31.90 Subscriber Special
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) Was $199, Now $179 Subscriber Special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. “

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $46

Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes-Marquise de la Tourette, Rhone 2015 750ML ($89.95) Was $59, Now $54.50 Subscriber Special
Falstaff 96 points “[Translated] Very closed, blackberry jam, hints of balsamic spice. Creamy start, immediately present minerality, extremely high density with fine but not too silky tannins, an elegance at the maximum of what fits in 14 percent by volume, minerally seasoned, all components seamlessly integrated, ripe, well-bearing acidity, very expressive.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is loaded with well-defined loganberry, blackberry and boysenberry pâte de fruit flavors, flecked with anise and black tea notes and carried by a fine iron streak that lingers wonderfully. A wine of cut, purity and precision. Best from 2020 through 2035. From France.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A blend of Syrah grapes from several lieux-dits, including Les Bessards, the 2015 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is aged in new and second use barrels. It’s a dark, concentrated wine, meaty, rich and tannic but with a bright beam of cassis fruit that lifts it and gives it great definition and shape on the palate. Give this medium to full-bodied wine at least 5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 15.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “While the Les Bessards gets all the attention, the 2015 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes isn’t far behind and is unquestionably the value play. Beef blood, cassis, blackberry liqueur and loads of crushed rock nuances all emerge from this ripe, concentrated, full-bodied Hermitage that has a classic, structured profile. It’s well worth a case purchase and will keep for two to three decades. As always, this cuvée comes from two parcels, the lower part of the Bessards lieu-dit and the Les Grandes Vignes located at the highest point on Hermitage Hill. It’s completely destemmed and sees 16 months in 30% new French oak.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Enticing hints of sweet spice, black pepper and bacon fat seduce on the nose of this rich but balanced Hermitage. Blackberry and cherry flavors are fresh and juicy but structured by firm tannins and brisk acidity. A polished wine already, it should intensify its savory, smoky complexities well through 2030.”
Richard Hemming – Jancis Robinson 18/20 “Smokier and firmer than their Bessards Hermitage. Dense, furry tannins and loads of savoury liquorice flavour. This is classic Hermitage: burly, powerful, grainy and heady – superb clarity of fruit. Faultless balance.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $86

 

We currently have a selection of over 140 Tuscan wines in stock and arriving soon, all available in our webstore.  We’ve been getting more in every week and you can check out some of the highlights below, all of which we’ll happily ship to your door or prepare for curbside pickup!


Just Arrived, In Stock Now

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($219.95) $159 pre-arrival special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!), ETA April
Wine Advocate 94 points “Streamlined and elegant, this mid-weight red trots out notes of grilled herb and dark fruit nuances that segue to spice, tilled earth and savory tobacco, with great complexity. This 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga is still a bit closed and tight, but this beautiful wine boasts all the best qualities of this vintage. It shows elegance and power, two contrasting characteristics that only work well together in the world’s most achieved expressions. The most satisfying aspect of this Riserva is the crisp acidity on the close that keeps the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “This red offers density and focus, creating an ideal frame for the cherry, strawberry, almond, leather and earth flavors. A firm backbone of tannins lends structure and the finish persists, leaving an accent of bitter almond. Best from 2022 through 2040. —B.S.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva shows all the quality and pedigree of the year in its layered personality and overall nuance. Cedar, dried cherry, game licorice and tobacco convey the darker, gamier side of Sangiovese that is such a signature at Fèlsina. The 2016 finishes with terrific energy and bright acids that suggest it will enjoy a long life in the cellar, but readers should plan on giving it at least a few years in bottle.”


La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($719.95) $489 special, (that’s only $40.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “The sliced plums and peaches are plentiful here on the nose. Full-bodied and dense with round and rich tannins and a long, long finish. Shows structure and intensity. Serious Brunello. Better after 2022.”

La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 33 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Lots of raspberry coulis, dried redcurrants and red-plum compote here. The medium-to full-bodied palate has fleshy and succulent appeal with juicy tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Drink now or hold.”

Gagliole Gallule, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Extremely fine tuned and precise, the 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Gallule offers depth and a long succession of delicate nuances with dark fruit, balsam herb, licorice and freshly tilled potting soil. This is complete and beautiful wine executed in a very classic style. This wine is all about the smaller details, best accentuated with a Porcini mushroom risotto. The Sangiovese grapes are harvested from an ancient terraced vineyard in Castellina in Chianti. A precious few 2,000 bottles were made.”
James Suckling 95 points “This is a great Chianti Classico with an overload of floral aromas, such as violets and rose petals, in addition to blackcurrants, tar, asphalt and vanilla. Full-bodied but very subtle and restrained on the palate with a finely woven web of tannins and a long, taut finish. Drink from 2023.”
Caiarossa Rosso di Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “($65) Vanilla, toast and coffee aromas wrap around the core of ripe black cherry and blueberry flavors. Hints of tar and iron, as well as dusty tannins, keep this red squarely in the Old World. Shows fine harmony and a lingering finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and others. Best from 2021 through 2033. 2,900 cases made, 400 cases imported. — BS”
Wine Advocate 94 points “This is a gorgeous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Alicante. The 2013 Caiarossa struts its stuff with a soft, velvety mouthfeel and beautiful aromatic intensity. This vintage is complete and generous on all fronts. The bouquet opens slowly and seductively with dark fruit and dried cherry. Those primary aromas segue to spice, smoked cedar and bitter chocolate. You don’t get a clear sense of any one variety, but this blend of seven grapes offers power, structure, intensity and textural richness nonetheless.-ML”

La Fortuna Fortunello Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A fantastic value, showing pretty varietal notes of red cherries and spice. Moderately rich, savory and expressive.
Winery Note “A wine that first expresses itself through its colour; intense ruby red. Extraordinary via its intensity and absolute pleasure on the palate, vigor, length, freshness and fruity finish. A wine that will improve with age with its scents of raspberry and red berries.”


La Fortuna Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Its burgundy red colour and intriguing acidity opens to the sense of smell with strong fruity flavours; intense and fascinating, spicy, it maintains a well-constructed pleasant taste, full and plain, velvety and smooth.”