In the Northern Rhone Syrah is king, and in the AOCs of Hermitage and Cote-Rotie you can expect to pay a king’s ransom for the better examples. This is why savvy collectors often turn to St-Joseph to save money without sacrificing quality.
Over the past five years or so Delas has been one of the more consistent producers in St-Joseph, especially with their top cuvee Francois de Tournon. From hillside vineyards with a high granite component, the finest grapes are sourced to create this wonderful wine. The 2009 and 2010 were both stellar values, so when the 2011 finally arrived I was extremely excited to try a sample.
As hoped, it delivered! The wine offered loads of blackberry, black cherry and currant, with hints of violets, cola and a finish of charred meat. And that can be said the night of or on night two with exposure to a day of air. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 95pts in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, calling it “an off-the-hook effort and possibly the wine of the vintage in Saint-Joseph.” At just $35.95 a bottle I suggest you grab some and decide for yourself. After all, this will pair wonderfully with grilled meats this summer, or with stews and braised ribs next winter…if you can save some that long.